Over 100 Rwandans return home after 31 years in the DRC

By The Inspirer.

Rwandan refugees who had been living for 31 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the North Kivu province, were welcomed back into Rwanda.

These refugees, mostly women and children, came from the Rutshuru and Masisi areas, where they had been relying on agriculture and charcoal production for their livelihoods. They explained that they had approached the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for assistance to return to Rwanda on January 27, 2025. However, due to ongoing fighting in the city of Goma, their return was delayed.

According to UNHCR officials, there were 114 refugees in total, though one had health issues. One of the refugees who spoke with Kigali Today stated, “They came back after the fighting escalated. Kinshasa had initially refused their return, but now they’ve agreed, and we are heading to Rwanda.”

Urayeneza, who returned to the Kanama sector in Rubavu District, explained that he had lived in a place called Kamatembe and had spent a month in the UNHCR camp. He returned to Rwanda with his four children. He mentioned that the reason he had not returned earlier was due to discouraging remarks from others. “I fled as an infant, and my husband fled in the same way. We knew nothing about Rwanda, but when you want to go back, there are people who discourage you, saying it’s not possible.”

He shared that there were many other refugees in the area who wanted to return but lacked information on how to do so. “I have returned, but my husband stayed behind. He is waiting for me to get to Rwanda and tell him that it’s safe, and then he will come.”

The returnees were taken to the Kijote center in Nyabihu District, where they received care before being reunited with their families. Prior to their reunification, they were given supplies to sustain them for the next three months. They were also photographed and issued identification cards, and their health insurance was covered.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA), each returning adult Rwandan is provided with 40,000 Rwandan francs upon arrival at the center. Later, they are allocated 188 USD, while children receive 115 USD.