Congolese refugees start to go home from Burundi

Apr 24, 2026, 11:24
A2

Congolese refugees start to go home from Burundi

Introduction

Many Congolese people ran away to Burundi. Now they are going home. The M23 group left a town called Uvira. The UN helps the refugees return.

Main Body

About 470 people crossed the border. They lived in a camp called Busuma in Burundi. Before that, 33,000 refugees already went home. The M23 group took land in Congo. Then they left because other countries told them to go. The UN will send buses every week. One man said thank you to Burundi for opening the border. The UN says people can only go home if it is safe. The camp opened in December 2025. Burundi closed the border when M23 came. Then the border opened again. Burundi has more than 200,000 Congolese refugees. In east Congo, many armed groups fight. M23 is the strongest. Rwanda says it does not help M23, but the UN says it does. The US president wants to help make peace.

Conclusion

The return of refugees happens step by step. It depends on safety in their home areas. The fighting in east Congo is not finished.

Vocabulary Learning

border
The line between two countries.邊境
Example:We cross the border.
help
To do something for someone who needs it.幫助
Example:Can you help me?
home
The place where you live.你居住的地方（屋企）
Example:I go home after school.
return
To go back to a place.返回
Example:They return home.
safe
Not in danger; protected.安全嘅
Example:The house is safe.

Sentence Learning

Many Congolese people ran away to Burundi.
Simple past tense: 'ran' shows a completed action in the past.本句使用簡單過去式動詞「ran」表示過去完成的動作。
Now they are going home.
Present continuous tense: 'are going' shows an action happening now.本句使用現在進行式「are going」表示正在進行的動作。
The UN helps the refugees return.
Simple present tense: 'helps' shows a general truth. 'return' is an infinitive without 'to'.本句使用簡單現在式動詞「helps」表示一般事實，後接不帶to的不定詞「return」。
About 470 people crossed the border.
Simple past tense: 'crossed' describes a finished action.本句使用簡單過去式動詞「crossed」描述已完成的動作。
The UN will send buses every week.
Future tense with 'will': 'will send' indicates a planned future action.本句使用未來式「will send」表示計劃中的未來動作。
B2

Repatriation of Congolese Refugees from Burundi Begins After M23 Withdrawal from Uvira

Introduction

A repatriation operation for thousands of Congolese refugees in Burundi has begun after the withdrawal of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from the strategic town of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is coordinating the return of individuals who fled violence nearly four months ago.

Main Body

The latest group of returnees, numbering about 470 people, crossed the border into eastern Congo after staying at the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi''s Buhumuza province. According to UN data, at least 33,000 Congolese refugees had returned home by March. The M23 rebel group, which had captured large areas in North and South Kivu provinces along the Rwandan border over the past year, later withdrew from Uvira under international pressure. The repatriation event on Thursday was supervised by a representative of the Congolese Embassy in Burundi. The UNHCR stated that the operation would continue for several weeks, with at least two bus convoys scheduled each week. Hassan Masemo, a returnee, expressed gratitude to Burundian authorities for reopening the border. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, the UNHCR representative in Burundi, said that returns were being organized only for people going directly to their homes, as areas considered unsafe would not be included. She noted that the return of local government in Uvira had led to voluntary returns starting in March, which then increased confidence among other refugees. The Busuma camp was established in December 2025 to house those fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira, an event that caused Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing. The crossing reopened after the M23 withdrawal. Burundi currently hosts over 200,000 Congolese refugees, including 66,000 in the Busuma camp. The larger situation involves decades of unrest in Congo''s mineral-rich east, where government forces face more than 100 armed groups, with M23 considered the most powerful. Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have openly admitted the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels, UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement. Rwanda describes its actions as defensive measures to protect its territory from Hutu rebels involved in the 1994 genocide. U.S. President Donald Trump has become a peace mediator, with Washington seeking to achieve a lasting ceasefire while possibly allowing American companies to access Congo''s critical minerals.

Conclusion

The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Burundi is proceeding in phases, depending on security conditions in their home areas. The operation reflects a temporary stabilization after the M23 withdrawal, though the underlying conflict in eastern Congo remains unresolved.

Vocabulary Learning

ceasefire
An agreement to stop fighting temporarily停火
Example:Washington is seeking to achieve a lasting ceasefire in the region.
coordinating
Organizing and managing activities or people to work together effectively協調
Example:The UNHCR is coordinating the return of individuals who fled violence.
repatriation
The process of sending someone back to their own country遣返
Example:The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Burundi has begun after the M23 withdrawal.
returnees
People who have returned to their home country after living elsewhere回國者
Example:The latest group of returnees, numbering about 470 people, crossed the border into eastern Congo.
withdrawal
The act of moving troops or forces away from a place撤軍
Example:The M23 withdrawal from Uvira allowed the border to reopen.

Sentence Learning

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is coordinating the return of individuals who fled violence nearly four months ago.
This sentence uses a defining relative clause ('who fled violence nearly four months ago') to specify exactly which individuals are being returned. The clause is essential to identify the group.這個句子使用限定性關係從句（'who fled violence nearly four months ago'）來具體說明正在被遣返的是哪些人。這個從句對於識別該群體是必需的。
The repatriation event on Thursday was supervised by a representative of the Congolese Embassy in Burundi.
The passive voice is used here to highlight the repatriation event itself and who supervised it. The agent is introduced with 'by'. This structure is common in formal reporting to focus on the action.此處使用被動語態（'was supervised'）來強調遣返活動本身以及由誰監督。施動者通過'by'引入。這種結構在正式報導中常見，以突出動作本身。
She noted that the return of local government in Uvira had led to voluntary returns starting in March, which then increased confidence among other refugees.
The relative pronoun 'which' refers to the whole idea that voluntary returns started in March. This non-defining clause provides additional information about the effect of those returns.關係代詞'which'指代整個前一句的意思，即自願遣返從三月開始。這個非限定性從句提供了關於這些遣返所產生影響的額外信息。
Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have openly admitted the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels, UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement.
'Although' is used to show a contrast between two facts: the lack of admission and the existence of evidence. It helps organize the idea by presenting opposing information.'Although'用於顯示兩個事實之間的對比：缺乏承認與存在證據。它有助於通過呈現相反信息來組織觀點。
The operation reflects a temporary stabilization after the M23 withdrawal, though the underlying conflict in eastern Congo remains unresolved.
'Though' is used to introduce a contrast to the main clause. It indicates that despite the temporary stabilization, the deeper conflict continues. This structure helps show a nuanced situation.'Though'用於引入與主句對比的內容。它表明儘管有暫時的穩定，但深層衝突仍在繼續。這種結構有助於展示細微差別的情況。
C2

Repatriation of Congolese Refugees from Burundi Commences Following M23 Withdrawal from Uvira

Introduction

A repatriation operation for thousands of Congolese refugees in Burundi has begun after the withdrawal of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from the strategic town of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is coordinating the return of individuals who fled violence nearly four months ago.

Main Body

The latest cohort of returnees, numbering approximately 470 individuals, crossed the border into eastern Congo after having sought shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi''s Buhumuza province. According to UN data, at least 33,000 Congolese refugees had returned home as of March. The M23 rebel group, which had seized extensive territories in North and South Kivu provinces along the Rwandan border during the previous year, subsequently withdrew from Uvira under international pressure. The repatriation event on Thursday was supervised by a representative of the Congolese Embassy in Burundi. The UNHCR indicated that the operation would persist for several weeks, with a minimum of two bus convoys scheduled each week. Hassan Masemo, a returnee, expressed gratitude to Burundian authorities for reopening the border. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, the UNHCR representative in Burundi, stated that returns were being organized only for individuals proceeding directly to their homes, as areas deemed unsafe would not be included. She noted that the restoration of local government in Uvira had prompted voluntary returns starting in March, which subsequently increased confidence among other refugees. The Busuma camp was established in December 2025 to accommodate those fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira, an event that led Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing. The crossing reopened after the M23 withdrawal. Burundi currently hosts over 200,000 Congolese refugees, including 66,000 in the Busuma camp. The broader context involves decades of unrest in Congo''s mineral-rich east, where government forces confront more than 100 armed groups, with M23 considered the most potent. Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have publicly acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels, UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement. Rwanda characterizes its actions as defensive measures to protect its territory from Hutu rebels implicated in the 1994 genocide. U.S. President Donald Trump has emerged as a peace facilitator, with Washington seeking to secure a permanent ceasefire while potentially enabling American companies to access Congo''s critical minerals.

Conclusion

The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Burundi is proceeding in phases, contingent on security conditions in their home areas. The operation reflects a temporary stabilization following the M23 withdrawal, though the underlying conflict in eastern Congo remains unresolved.

Vocabulary Learning

cohort
A group of people with a shared characteristic, especially in demographic or statistical contexts.群體；同批人
Example:The latest cohort of returnees, numbering approximately 470 individuals, crossed the border into eastern Congo after having sought shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi's Buhumuza province.
contingent
Dependent on or conditioned by something else.取決於；視...而定
Example:The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Burundi is proceeding in phases, contingent on security conditions in their home areas.
facilitator
A person or thing that makes an action or process easier.促進者；推動者
Example:U.S. President Donald Trump has emerged as a peace facilitator, with Washington seeking to secure a permanent ceasefire while potentially enabling American companies to access Congo's critical minerals.
potent
Having great power, influence, or effect; strong.強有力的；強大的
Example:The broader context involves decades of unrest in Congo's mineral-rich east, where government forces confront more than 100 armed groups, with M23 considered the most potent.
underlying
Fundamental; lying beneath the surface.根本的；潛在的
Example:The operation reflects a temporary stabilization following the M23 withdrawal, though the underlying conflict in eastern Congo remains unresolved.

Sentence Learning

The M23 rebel group, which had seized extensive territories in North and South Kivu provinces along the Rwandan border during the previous year, subsequently withdrew from Uvira under international pressure.
Main clause: 'The M23 rebel group ... withdrew from Uvira under international pressure.' Embedded non-restrictive relative clause: 'which had seized extensive territories ... during the previous year,' providing background information. Adverbial phrase 'under international pressure' modifies the main verb.主要子句：「M23叛軍集團……在國際壓力下撤出烏維拉。」內嵌非限制性關係子句：「which had seized extensive territories ... during the previous year,」提供背景資訊。副詞短語「under international pressure」修飾主要動詞。
She noted that the restoration of local government in Uvira had prompted voluntary returns starting in March, which subsequently increased confidence among other refugees.
Main clause: 'She noted' followed by a noun clause (object of 'noted'): 'that the restoration ... had prompted voluntary returns starting in March.' Within the noun clause, a non-restrictive relative clause 'which subsequently increased confidence among other refugees' modifies 'voluntary returns'. The participial phrase 'starting in March' acts as a reduced relative clause.主要子句：「She noted」後接名詞子句（作noted的賓語）：「that the restoration ... had prompted voluntary returns starting in March」。名詞子句內，非限制性關係子句「which subsequently increased confidence among other refugees」修飾「voluntary returns」。分詞短語「starting in March」作為縮減關係子句。
The Busuma camp was established in December 2025 to accommodate those fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira, an event that led Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing.
Main clause: 'The Busuma camp was established in December 2025' with an infinitive of purpose 'to accommodate those fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira'. The participial phrase 'fleeing the rebel advance' modifies 'those'. An appositive noun phrase 'an event that led Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing' renames 'the rebel advance on Uvira', containing a restrictive relative clause 'that led Burundi to close...'.主要子句：「The Busuma camp was established in December 2025」帶有目的不定式「to accommodate those fleeing the rebel advance on Uvira」。分詞短語「fleeing the rebel advance」修飾「those」。同位語名詞短語「an event that led Burundi to close the Gatumba border crossing」重述「the rebel advance on Uvira」，內含限制性關係子句「that led Burundi to close...」。
Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have publicly acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels, UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement.
Concessive subordinate clause: 'Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have publicly acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels' using the correlative conjunction 'neither...nor' and present perfect tense. Main clause: 'UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement.' The concessive clause sets up a contrast with the main clause.讓步子句：「Although neither Rwanda nor M23 have publicly acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels」使用關聯連詞「neither...nor」和現在完成式。主要子句：「UN experts have documented evidence of such involvement。」讓步子句與主要子句形成對比。
The broader context involves decades of unrest in Congo's mineral-rich east, where government forces confront more than 100 armed groups, with M23 considered the most potent.
Main clause: 'The broader context involves decades of unrest in Congo's mineral-rich east'. Non-restrictive relative clause: 'where government forces confront more than 100 armed groups' modifying 'east'. Absolute construction (participial phrase): 'with M23 considered the most potent' providing additional information about the armed groups, using 'with + noun + past participle'.主要子句：「The broader context involves decades of unrest in Congo's mineral-rich east」。非限制性關係子句：「where government forces confront more than 100 armed groups」修飾「east」。獨立結構（分詞短語）：「with M23 considered the most potent」提供關於武裝團體的額外資訊，使用「with + 名詞 + 過去分詞」。