Rwanda has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and its alleged allies, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), to ensure the safe return of all remaining Rwandan refugees in eastern DRC.
This follows the successful repatriation of 360 Rwandan refugees, primarily women and children, who were reportedly held by the FDLR, a militia group accused of ties to the Congolese national army.
The repatriation, which took place on May 17, 2025, was facilitated by a tripartite agreement between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The refugees were transported across the border in buses provided by Rwandan authorities, escorted by UNHCR and the aid group Save the Children.
According to UNHCR, the operation aims to repatriate a total of 2,000 people who fled Rwanda during the 1994 genocide and have since lived in eastern DRC.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized the need for continued cooperation, stating on social media, “360 refugees, who were previously held hostages by the FDLR genocidal force (supported by the Congolese national army), were safely repatriated to Rwanda. The DRC government and its FDLR allies need to ensure that all remaining Rwandan refugees in DRC are repatriated to their homeland.”
The repatriation marks a significant step in addressing the plight of Rwandan refugees, many of whom have lived in precarious conditions in DRC for decades. Nyirakajumba Twizere, a 29-year-old refugee born in Congo, expressed relief upon returning to Rwanda: “I never thought this day would come. I’m finally going back to the land of my ancestors.”
Rwanda’s call comes amid strained relations with the DRC, with Kigali accusing Kinshasa of supporting the FDLR, a group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
The DRC, in turn, has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which has fueled conflict in eastern Congo, displacing hundreds of thousands. Despite these tensions, the recent repatriation signals a potential for collaboration under international oversight.
UNHCR and local authorities have underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and dignity of returning refugees. The agency noted that most returnees are women and children, highlighting the need for continued humanitarian support.
As Rwanda pushes for the repatriation of all its citizens, the international community is closely watching the DRC’s response. The success of this initiative could pave the way for broader peace efforts in the region, where conflict and displacement remain persistent challenges.
