From January to September 2025, more than 4,000 Rwandans have returned from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they had been held hostage by FDLR.
On September 24, Rwanda received 314 people in 101 families who voluntarily returned after realizing Rwanda is peaceful, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA).
They were transferred to the Nyarushishi transit camp in Rusizi after crossing at La Corniche, Rubavu, where they will be registered and prepared for reintegration into normal life. The government has set up special systems to ease their access to health, education, and identification, in collaboration with UNHCR.
Maniraguha Ezira, one of the voluntary returnees, explained that even coming back home cost him everything he owned, as he was stripped of his belongings by the Congolese army (FARDC), who also broke his left leg.
He said: “I was imprisoned, accused of being a collaborator with M23. It was a lie because I was only working as a fisherman. At that time, I was sent to Makala Prison in Kinshasa. The head of fishermen gave soldiers 5,000 US dollars which I managed to raise by selling my land, and they released me.” while Mukantwari Françoise said FDLR leaders threatened to kill anyone attempting to return.
Prosper Mulindwa, the Mayor of Rubavu District, assured the returnees that their security is guaranteed, and they will be given food for three months, health insurance, and other necessary documents to support them in restarting their normal lives without fear.
He further urged them to participate in development projects aimed at fighting poverty, emphasizing that their contribution is greatly needed in building the nation.
The number of returnees keeps rising after Rwanda, DRC, and UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement in July to support voluntary repatriation. Rwanda has also hosted Congolese refugees for over 20 years, displaced by ethnic wars fueled by FDLR’s genocide ideology.
RADIOTV10
