Announcing his trip in a message posted on X on August 25, 2025, Grandi said ongoing peace initiatives could help restore stability in the volatile eastern DRC if all parties act in good faith.
'On my way to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Ongoing political initiatives may allow harsh realities on the ground (violence against civilians and forced displacement in Eastern DRC) to be finally addressed, if all actors cooperate. UNHCR stands ready to do its part," the post reads.
His visit comes on the heels of a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025, during which Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a new 2025â€"2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, was attended by Charles Karamba, Rwanda's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The roadmap, detailed in a joint communiqué, outlines operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines for facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees between the two countries.
It is viewed as a key pillar of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region, following recent diplomatic breakthroughsâ€"including the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The new plan reaffirms the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without restrictions. It also calls for closer coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, better information-sharing with refugees, and the creation of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently at a transit centre in Goma, with logistical support from UNHCR. The roadmap further emphasises inclusive reintegration efforts, including access to housing, education, health services, livelihoods, and civil documentation, alongside engagement with donors and development partners to support long-term recovery.
On August 25, in line with these commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to the Government of Rwanda.
Grandi's visit to Rwanda and the DRC is expected to reinforce diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in tackling the remaining challenges that hinder voluntary return.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/unhcr-chief-to-visit-rwanda
