Burundian asylum seeker in Montreal fears death if deported

A Burundian woman living in Montreal is pleading to be allowed to stay in Canada, and the worsening situation in her native country has prompted refugee advocates to join her appeal to avoid deportation.

Maria (CBCagreed to conceal her identity for her security) came to Canada nine years agoas Burundiwas emerging from a long civil war.

Many people were displaced, and food was scarce, andCanada to her seemeda safe, idyllic place.

"When I was little, we would play a gameand choose a country we'd like to live in. I chose Canada," she said.

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Her application for refugee status was refused in 2006, but Canada had also suspended deportations to Burundi at that time because of civil strife there.

That ban was lifted in 2009.

Now a single mother of a two-year-old girl, Maria is awaiting the date for her deportation. It was supposed to take place on Nov. 17, but has now been delayed while immigration officials read overdocuments presented by her lawyer.

Burundian mother pleads to have deportation put on hold

9 years ago

Duration 1:58

Despite renewed violence in the African nation of Burundi, Canada goes ahead with deportations of former refugees.

Burundi back on the brink

Meanwhile, violence in Burundi is on the rise once again. More than 240 people have been killed in clashes since April, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term, violating an agreement that limitspresidents to two terms.

A failed military coup in May aggravated the violence.

Just last Monday, the United Nations condemned an attack in the capital Bujumbura that killed seven people, including a UN staffer.

'I will be lynched'

Maria, and Canadians who follow the situation in Burundi, are trying to bring attention to the dangers in the country.

"I know I will be lynched. I am also a woman, and I have a little girl," she said.

Patrice Nzigamasabo, a businessman in Montreal, says there are more than 600 cases of would-be refugees living inCanadafacing deportation to Burundi.

"The situation inBurundi is worse than Rwanda prior to 1994 Genocide," he said.

Nzigamasabo said Ottawa should reinstatea temporary halt on removal orders issued forpeople who fled Burundi.

Those who work with refugees say when it comes to fighting deportation orders, federal authorities will look at each story on a case-by-case basis.

"[The halt on deportations] isn't something that gives refugee status. But if it were in place, it would give this woman and her child security for now," said Jenny Jeanes of the group Action Refugis Montral.

The Canada Border Services Agency saidit's continuing to monitor the situation in Burundi.

But for Maria, time is running out.