2020
Following a series of attacks and ultimatums by armed groups, over 9,000 refugees left Goudoubo camp, and 4,481 of those opted to return home to Mali. UNHCR assisted them through the provision of documentation (voluntary repatriation forms) and a cash grant for transportation. Those remaining in Burkina Faso settled in the nearby town of Dori, alongside IDP and host communities.
Some 3,000 refugees who left Mentao camp after the ultimatum and who had expressed the wish to return to Mali could not be supported due to the instability in Mali and closure of the land borders due to COVID. A Tripartite meeting between the Governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and UNHCR is planned in 2021 to discuss voluntary return in this context.