Among the 532 returnees welcomed recently in Burundi is Daniel, husband and father of eight children. Traveling with such a large family required careful attention, patience, and strong coordination to ensure none of the children were separated in the movement, and none of their belongings went missing. Thanks to the combined efforts of UNHCR and AIRD, their journey was smooth, respectful, and filled with renewed hope.
Upon arrival at the transit center, Daniel and his family felt immediately supported. The children were guided to a clean and safe sleeping area where they could rest after the long trip, and the entire family received warm meals that brought comfort and strength. Daniel expressed deep gratitude for the reception, impressed by how organised and considerate the process was for large families like his.
During the return journey, Daniel was assigned an important responsibility: overseeing all the luggage of the returnees to ensure nothing was lost. With hundreds of individuals traveling together, the task was significant, but thanks to the strong logistical support from AIRD, who carried the luggage with care, arranged it systematically, and ensured proper tracking. Daniel completed his duty successfully. Not a single complaint was received, and every family recovered their belongings safely.
He praised the AIRD staff for their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail, which reassured him that returning home was the right decision.
Now preparing to continue their journey to Makamba, Daniel looks forward to rebuilding his life and offering his eight children a future rooted in peace, stability, and opportunity. He encourages other refugees still abroad to consider returning, confident that they, too, will be welcomed with dignity, safety, and care.