Hundreds of Rwandans return home after decades of exile in Congo

In Goma, Congo, hundreds of Rwandan refugees repatriated after living in eastern Congo for over two decades. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported the return of these individuals, predominantly women and children, amidst a shifting political and military landscape in the region. The repatriation effort, which occurred on May 17, 2025, comes in response to recent conflicts with Rwandan-backed rebels, allowing for a more stable environment for returning citizens. Local authorities facilitated this process by providing transport in buses orchestrated by Rwandan officials, with the aim of supporting individuals displaced since the 1994 genocide. This initiative stems from a tripartite agreement established over ten years ago among Rwanda, Congo, and UNHCR aiming to assist refugees in returning to their homeland. According to recent reports, more than 101,000 Rwandan refugees have already been repatriated, with this particular group being part of an ongoing strategy to bring back approximately 2,000 individuals. Local leaders, including Prosper Mulindwa, the mayor of Rubavu, welcomed the returnees, highlighting their importance as a workforce for national development. The context of this repatriation is critical as it highlights the longstanding tensions in eastern Congo, exacerbated by various armed groups and recent hostilities attributed to the M23 movement, supported by Rwandan troops. This turbulence has contributed to a humanitarian crisis in the region. The backdrop of the genocide that prompted many Rwandans to flee has lingering impacts on today’s social and political dynamics. The repatriation signifies a hopeful return towards stability and national rebuilding from the decades of conflict. Personal stories from returnees, such as Nyirakajumba Twizere, reflect the emotional weight of such journeys. Many have lived in exile for years, some never having set foot in their homeland. The repatriation not only represents a geographic return but also rekindles a connection to ancestral roots for those like Twizere, who expressed his gratitude for finally returning to Rwanda, paying homage to a land he had only known through stories. This process is indicative of broader moves to address the consequences of historical injustices and restore dignity to those affected by such profound displacements and violence.