Many Rwandans who had lived for years as hostages of the FDLR terrorist group in the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun returning home in large numbers, thanks to the facilitation of M23 forces.
Most of the returnees came from areas that were still under FDLR control, where M23 had opened a corridor enabling them to reach Rwanda.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a group of 360 people was received upon arrival in Rwanda and immediately taken to the Kijote temporary transit camp, located in Bigongwe Sector, Nyabihu District.
This camp is intended to accommodate them for a short period while they are registered and prepared for resettlement in their districts of origin.
On Monday, May 19, 2025, the Minister of Emergency Management, Maj. Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, visited the returnees—just one day after their arrival. The returnees shared their worries and concerns about starting a new life in Rwanda, including lack of shelter, property, or knowledge of their family origins.
Among the returnees are children and youth born in Congo who do not know their ancestral roots, individuals who sold their belongings before fleeing, women who had married Congolese men but returned alone with their children, and many others with diverse personal stories.
These citizens raised serious questions about how they will survive, especially those who are separated from or unaware of their families, and those without any property. Their concerns highlighted a major humanitarian challenge that urgently needs answers.
In response, Minister Murasira reassured them, stating that they are not the first to return to Rwanda with such challenges and that the Government of Rwanda has established programs to support each individual. He encouraged them not to fear and to place their trust in their country.
He said: “Rwanda has a program to receive and resettle every Rwandan. You should not be worried. We have previously welcomed others with similar problems, and solutions were found. No Rwandan will be left without shelter or food.”
The Minister added that during the registration process, individual challenges would be identified, and the relevant institutions would take action accordingly. The returnees have already begun being photographed in preparation for receiving official documents, including national IDs.
He also clarified that returning to Rwanda does not mean they lose rights to their property or families still in Congo. They retain the right to visit or sell property they legally own in Congo while maintaining their Rwandan citizenship.
As of now, the total number of returnees has reached 1,156, including an additional 896 people who arrived on Monday, May 19, 2025. They were repatriated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and taken to the Nyarushishi temporary camp in Rusizi District. The total number of expected returnees is projected to reach 2,500.
