Burundi refugees fearful after Rwanda expulsion threat

Kigali (AFP).  "In Rwanda we're safe. I don't see anywhere else to go," says Audrey, one of thousands of Burundian refugees now living in Rwanda -- but fearful after Kigali unexpectedly announced plans to relocate them to other countries.

The 27-year-old, who was personally threatened for taking part in demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza at home, says she cannot return to Burundi.

And she is equally unsure of her safety in other countries in the region.

"When we heard the news, we were amazed," she said. "We did not expect it."

Burundi has been in turmoil since Nkurunziza announced plans in April 2015 to run for a third term, which he went on to win.

In less than a year, hundreds of people have been killed and around 230,000 Burundians have fled the country. According to the UNHCR, some 75,000 of those have taken refuge in Rwanda.

Like many of her compatriots, Audrey has been put up by a Rwandan family since fleeing three months ago and she remains too frightened to be photographed or clearly identified.

"We talk about it a lot amongst ourselves, especially on social media, we wonder where we are going to be able to go," she said.

Rwanda's plan to relocate the refugees comes amid accusations that Kigali is meddling in the affairs of its troubled neighbour.

Burundi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing rebels intent on overthrowing the government in Bujumbura. Kigali has fiercely denied the accusations.