Rwanda has received 406 Rwandans who returned from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they had spent many years living in difficult conditions.
The returnees arrived through the Grande Barrière border crossing in Rubavu District. They included 33 men, 97 women and 276 children from 125 families. After arriving in Rwanda, they were taken to the Nyarushishi Temporary Transit Centre in Rusizi District, where they will receive assistance as they begin the process of reintegrating into society.
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Returnees Say They Were Misled About Rwanda
Among those who returned was 43-year-old Twubahane Phenias, who came from Masisi in eastern DRC. He said he originally came from Gaseke Commune in the former Gisenyi Prefecture.
Twubahane explained that he had remained in the DRC for many years because he and others had been given false information that there was no security in Rwanda and that anyone who returned would be killed.
He said he had left behind his pregnant wife and two children in the DRC. He plans to bring them to Rwanda after obtaining the necessary documents so that they can live together in peace and security.
FDLR Accused of Spreading False Information
Another returnee, Sekabuhoro Leonard, said he returned from Rutshuru Territory. He said he fled Rwanda in 1994 from Nkuri Commune in the former Ruhengeri Prefecture.
According to Sekabuhoro, one of the reasons he spent so many years living in the forests of the DRC was the information he received from the FDLR.
He said: “The FDLR told us not to return because it would take over the country and bring us back, and that anyone who returned to Rwanda would be killed. We were afraid, and that is why we did not return.”
Sekabuhoro said his decision to return was also influenced by a family living near them. The family encouraged them to return to Rwanda, and eventually they decided to follow their advice.
Difficult Living Conditions Changed His Mind
Sekabuhoro said life in the forests was extremely difficult. Poor nutrition caused him to become seriously weak, and his feet became swollen.
He also said that crops they cultivated were sometimes stolen by FDLR fighters, leaving them without enough food.
These experiences made him realize that the information they had been given about Rwanda was false.
After arriving in Rwanda, Sekabuhoro said he found peace and received a warm welcome. He therefore encouraged other Rwandans still living in the forests of eastern DRC to return home.
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Rubavu Mayor Welcomes the Returnees
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Mulindwa Prosper, said Rwanda remains concerned about Rwandans who are living in difficult conditions in the DRC and those he described as being held by the FDLR.
He told the returnees that they should not feel that they have returned to start their lives from nothing because the government provides support to help them reintegrate.
He said: “You have entered the promised country that belongs to you. Take part in bringing back your fellow Rwandans who remain in the forests of Congo so that they can bring their children and have them study.”
He added that the returnees would continue receiving support like other Rwandans and would be connected to programmes designed to improve their living conditions and help them overcome poverty.
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Returnees Receive Assistance After Leaving the Transit Centre
After completing their stay at the transit centre and being reintegrated into their communities, the returnees receive basic financial assistance to help them restart their lives.
A returnee aged 18 or above receives $188, while those under 18 receive $113.
Each returnee also receives basic food supplies worth Rwf45,000.
The assistance is intended to help the returnees meet their immediate needs as they settle back into normal life in Rwanda.
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Rwanda Encourages More Citizens to Return
The arrival of the 406 returnees highlights the continuing efforts to help Rwandans living in eastern DRC return home.
The returnees say that the difficult conditions they experienced and the information they received for many years prevented them from coming back earlier. Now that they have returned, some are encouraging others who remain in the forests to make the same decision.
For the returnees, returning to Rwanda marks the beginning of a new chapter—one in which they can reunite with their families, access basic services and rebuild their lives in their home country.
