Strangers into Kin: Affinity, Deservingness and Gratitude in ‘Everyday Humanitarianism’ between Locals and Refugees/Migrants in Kigoma, Tanzania

This article explores ‘everyday humanitarianism’, as evidenced by the efforts of local Tanzanians in the Kigoma region to support refugees and irregular migrants. Over the years, Kigoma has become a refuge for many Burundians and Congolese fleeing conflict and violence. While some have official refugee status, others lack proper documentation, making their lives precarious. Due to political tensions regarding refugees and migrants, Tanzanians may face criminalisation for assisting them. Despite this legal risk, some Tanzanians continue to engage in helping activities, such as providing short-term hosting or a safe place to stay, travel support, food, and work referrals, among other forms of assistance. Their willingness to engage in what we term ‘everyday humanitarian practices’ is influenced by personal experiences, socio-cultural and moral obligations, and religious values. While they often presented their motivations as purely altruistic, subtle expectations of gratitude occasionally threaded through their narratives. We suggest that the lens of ‘gifting’ offers a way to understand the relationships between emotion, generosity and mutual expectations embedded in ‘everyday humanitarian practices’ within an adversarial and vulnerable context.