9.2bn/- pact inked for Congolese refugees
KIGOMA: THE European Union (EU) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have signed a 9.2bn/- new partnership agreement to continue providing protection and humanitarian assistance to Congolese refugees and asylum seekers residing at Nyarugusu camp in Kasulu District.
According to the statement released by the delegation of the European Union to Tanzania, the agreement also focuses at looking after the new arrivals who are temporarily hosted at the transit centre in Kigoma Region.
Through a contribution of 9.2 bn/- the EU will support UNHCR’s efforts to deliver timely, life-saving and protection-sensitive assistance and services in health, WASH, shelter and education, including specialised services to persons with specific needs fleeing violence from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ambassador Christine Grau said in a statement that the global increase in crises has led to an unprecedented number of refugees in urgent need of support around the world.
“That is why today I am proud to announce the signing of a 9.2 bn/- contract with UNHCR here in Tanzania. This crucial agreement will directly benefit refugees in Tanzania, ensuring their protection, enabling them to lead dignified lives and supporting their access to livelihoods,” said Ambassador Grau.
The envoy added that the EU remains firmly committed to humanitarian values and international solidarity.
“We must continue working together to address these global challenges and uphold the rights and dignity of every individual seeking refuge,” said Ambassador Grau.
In 2025, UNHCR, in collaboration with national and international partners, continues to support the government Tanzania in receiving new arrivals in the Kigoma Region.
Ambassador Grau said from January to June this year, over 3,000 refugees were received in Kigoma.
“UNHCR and partners continue to provide services to 85,105 Congolese refugees residing at Nyarugusu Camp. These individuals are provided with immediate life-saving assistance, including safe shelter, food, health services, clean water and sanitation facilities and other essential support,” added the envoy.
She said that given the dire circumstances under which many refugees flee, often with only clothes on their backs and a few belongings, access to health, shelter, clean water, hygiene and sanitation facilities is critical.
“These services not only reduce mortality and morbidity but also uphold the dignity, protection and overall well-being of asylum seekers and refugees,” she said.
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On his part, the UNHCR Representative in Tanzania, Mr Zulqarnain Hussain Anjum said: “Standing with Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in Tanzania is not just our responsibility, it is a reflection of our shared humanity.”
UNHCR requires an estimated 37.8 billion/- to respond to the DRC emergency in Tanzania, including 13.5 billion/- allocated for preparedness efforts. As of 31 May 2025, Tanzania hosts over 230,000 refugees, primarily from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
