The returnees, including 110 children, 13 men, and 38 women, crossed the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC, on Tuesday, February 8, 2026.
The repatriation follows the agreements reached during a tripartite meeting held on July 24, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Before their departure from DRC, these returnees had lived in the temporary Goma refugee camp, having fled various regions in eastern DRC.
As he welcomed returnees, Rubavu District's Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa, emphasized that no Rwandan should still be considered a refugee. He explained that Rwanda had abolished refugee status and highlighted how the returnees had been misinformed during their captivity in the forest.
'We welcome refugees from other countries, support them, and help them return home, so they too can live in peace,' Mulindwa said. 'We have been through the refugee experience, but now we live in freedom in our own country.'
Ancille Nyiransabimana, a 64-year-old returnee, recounted leaving Rwanda in 1994 and expressed her joy at returning to her home in the former Mutura Commune. She affirmed her determination to work hard and rebuild her life in her homeland.
The returnees were then taken to the Kijote center in Nyabihu District, where they will undergo brief training before reintegration into the society.
After obtaining their identification documents, they will receive initial support to help them adjust to their new life.
Returnees aged above 18 will receive USD 188, while those under 18 will get USD 113, in addition to essential food supplies valued at Rwf 45,000.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-welcomes-161-returnees-from-drc
