Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, together with UNHCR, held a Tripartite High-Level Ministerial Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 22, 2026, where important decisions were reached on the voluntary repatriation of refugees from both countries. On behalf of Rwanda, Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira signed the Joint Communiqué of the meeting.
The meeting built on the Tripartite Agreements signed in 2010, international refugee conventions, and the Accords for Peace and Prosperity between Rwanda and the DRC signed in Washington on December 4, 2025. The Parties also adopted the 2026–2027 Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map on Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration, outlining operational milestones, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation.
On refugee figures, the DRC hosts 196,289 Rwandan refugees and asylum seekers, of whom 75,421 have been biometrically registered, while Rwanda hosts 84,456 Congolese refugees and asylum seekers. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees as a contribution to peacebuilding and regional stability.
Since January 2025, 8,394 Rwandans have voluntarily returned from the DRC safely, with a target of 10,000 returns planned for 2026. The Parties agreed to use the Kamanyola/Bugarama border crossing to facilitate the return of over 3,600 Rwandan refugees in South Kivu who have expressed willingness to repatriate, with the DRC committing to establish a viable transit route to that crossing point.
Rwanda also noted the situation of over 400 Rwandans waiting in transit centres in North and South Kivu, and committed to continuing their repatriation while observing Ebola-related public health guidelines.
For Congolese refugees in Rwanda, voluntary repatriation has not yet begun. However, starting October 2026, the DRC will designate priority return areas based on surveys and information provided by the Rwandan side. Quarterly meetings will be held between both parties, with the first scheduled for September 2026, and the next High-Level Meeting planned for June 2027.
Both sides acknowledged UNHCR’s role as a neutral and impartial humanitarian partner, and expressed gratitude to Ethiopia for hosting the meeting.
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