According to MINEMA, from January to October this year, Rwanda received 5,101 returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to return due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR, which had warned that returnees would be killed if they attempted to go home. The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The figures were disclosed on Tuesday, 12 November 2025, during a visit to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre, where officials met with recently returned Rwandans. Discussions during the visit focused on governance reforms, national opportunities, and the Ndi Umunyarwanda ('I am Rwandan') programme.
The Mayor of Rusizi District, Phanuel Sindayiheba, welcomed the returnees and commended their decision to come back.
'Rwanda has chosen not to be held back by discrimination, poverty, or ignorance, but to pursue development and unity among Rwandans,' he said.
Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in Charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE, emphasised the importance of the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme in fostering a sense of national identity.
'Although you are returning late, it is better late than never. You are encouraged to work hard to make up for lost time,' she said, adding that some returnees had been misled into prioritising ethnic identity over their Rwandan roots.
Kayumba Uwera also urged returning women to encourage their husbands to come back. 'Women have a strength we often do not realise. Many of you have already made the right choice to return, and you have inspired your husbands to follow,' she said.
Gonzage Karagire, Director of Refugee Programmes at MINEMA, said that receiving returning Rwandans is an ongoing effort.
'This year alone, over 5,000 Rwandans have come home. Currently, there are 592 people in this transit camp, including children and adults who recently returned,' he said.
Of the 592 returnees at Nyarushishi, 396 are children and 196 are adults. Among the adults, 160 are women and 36 are men.
Mushimiyimana Immaculée, who returned after 31 years in exile, recounted the challenges she faced and expressed her commitment to national unity.
'I only completed the first three grades, and I feel ashamed that at 32 years old I cannot read or write. I had to leave school when fighting broke out,' she said. She added that she intends to work with others to preserve unity and create opportunities for future generations.
IGIHE
