A group of 406 Rwandans voluntarily returned home from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, August 26, after spending decades as refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
UNHCR Rwanda described their arrival as an opportunity to rebuild their lives after years away from their country.
“For the returnees, a return home means a fresh start and renewed hope for the future,” the UN refugee agency said.
UNHCR pledged to continue working closely with Rwanda’s Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management to support the returnees as they reintegrate into their communities.
The latest return is part of continuing cooperation among Rwanda, DR Congo and UNHCR to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees.
During a tripartite meeting held in Addis Ababa in June 2026, the three parties adopted a roadmap covering repatriation and reintegration activities for 2026 and 2027.
They reaffirmed that returns must be voluntary, safe, dignified and based on adequate information, while agreeing to strengthen coordination and regular cross-border engagements.
Figures presented at the meeting showed that 8,575 Rwandan refugees had returned from the DRC between January 2025 and June 2026. That number included 2,347 people who had returned during the first part of 2026.
The Government of Rwanda has pledged to provide returning nationals with reintegration support and access to programmes intended to help them resettle sustainably in their communities.
RADIOTV10