Over 300 Rwandan refugees repatriated from DR Congo
A group of 302 Rwandan refugees voluntarily returned home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, as part of an understanding with the UN refugee agency, authorities said.
Some 285 returnees entered the country through the Rwanda-Congo border crossing in Rubavu District, according to the district’s Mayor Prosper Mulindwa.
The returnees were transported to Kijote Transit Centre, in western Nyabihu District pending their reintegration in the communities, Mulindwa told reporters.
Meanwhile, 17 returnees arrived in Rwanda through a common border in Rusizi District.
The vice Mayor Alfred Habimana, who welcomed the group, said they were composed of nine women, three men and children.
Habimana urged the returnees to embrace national unity and work with other Rwandans to contribute to national development.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) supports the returnees’ repatriation and reintegration, helping them to rebuild their lives and help families.
The repatriation falls under an agreement signed last year between Rwanda, DRC and the UNHCR committing the parties to respect refugees’ right to voluntary repatriation to their countries of origin.
