The Congolese citizens who had been living in Rwanda had sought assistance to return to Goma and Bukavu.
Local authorities organized buses to transport them from Bugarama to Kamembe and Rubavu, with the Congolese nationals covering their own transport fees. Meanwhile, 25 individuals expressed their desire to stay and will be hosted at the Nyarushishi Transit Center.
Those returning to Bukavu crossed the Rusizi Border I Post, which serves as the main exit point for people leaving Rwanda and the primary entry point for those entering the Democratic Republic of Congo, at around 3 p.m.
The returnees said the security situation had improved since the M23 captured Bukavu over the weekend. Some of them told IGIHE that they had been at the Kamanyola border after fleeing Wazalendo fighters, who were shooting at them as M23 forces advanced into the city.
'I work at Kamanyola, but my home is in Goma. FARDC soldiers were retreating from Bukavu, firing their weapons and creating tension. The Wazalendo fighters were ruthless and inhumane, forcing us to flee,' said Simplice Yuma Kisubi.
'I heard there is no longer a problem in Bukavu, which is why I have returned home through this border post,' he added.
Other residents who spoke to IGIHE were traders who had initially feared returning due to insecurity but were now relieved to do so. They accused Congolese forces and allied militias of terrorizing them and looting their goods. According to them, the M23 has brought much-needed relief to the region.
'We are glad that the border is open, and we can go back home to reunite with our loved ones,' another Congolese national stated.
The returnees thanked the Rwandan government for its hospitality and for granting them safe passage home.
'I thank the government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Interior for receiving us. They treated us well, fed us, and gave us water. Those who were sick received medical attention, and they provided us with transportation,' Kisubi remarked.
M23 rebels entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, over the weekend.
In a recent statement, the rebelsâ€"who claim to be fighting against the continued persecution and marginalization of Congolese Rwandophonesâ€"stated that they were protecting the city after government forces abandoned it, plunging it into anarchy.
The rebels had been advancing south toward Bukavu since seizing Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of last month.
The capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, represents an unprecedented expansion of M23-controlled territory since the insurgency reignited in 2022 and delivers another blow to Kinshasa's authority in the east.
This latest advance comes just days after President Félix Tshisekedi accused former President Joseph Kabila of siding with the rebels in an alleged attempt to destabilize the country.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
