The applicability of traditional solutions to refugee problem: a case of Burundian refugees in Mpanda and Urambo Districts in Tanzania

This study addresses itself to the applicability of traditional solutions -voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement in solving the refuges problem. In this study we attempted to: firstly, evaluate the feasibility of the traditional solutions in order to find the extent to which they are applicable to the Burundian refugees problem; secondly, find the refugees preferences on how their problem could be resolved using the traditional solutions; thirdly, find the most community’s views on the possibility of having the refugees fully integrated within its structures and finally, suggest and reconned alternative solutions if possible. Mpanda and Urambo districts were taken as a case study. In chapter one we raise the main issue, surrounding the Burundian refugee problem. We argue that the problem is fundamentally based on unequal distribution of power among the main contending social group, the Hutu and the Tutsi where by the minority social group, the Tutsi, has traditionally and consistently monopolized political power and that any attempt aimed at reversing this situation by the Tutsi state instrumentalities. This phenomenon has consequently generated exodus of refugees to neighboring countries. The problem is thus a question of lack of democracy. This chapter also shows Tanzania’s policy on refugees. It is precisely an open door policy based on her legal and humanitarian fabrics international obligations and capability to assist refugees. The chapter, further, presents Tanzania’s experiences in solving refugee problem through traditional solutions and highlights the complexity of the Burundian refugee problem. It particularly observes that while a number of problems were solved through the application of one of the solutions it is apparently doubtful if the Burundian refugee problem could be solved in the like manner. This is due to the apparent reluctance of the Burundian refugees to accept naturalization (local integration) and the app