UNHCR, DR Congo, Rwanda recommit support for repatriation of refugees
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees signed an agreement on Monday reaffirming their commitment to the voluntary, safe and informed return of Rwandan and Congolese refugees as a cornerstone for durable solutions to forced displacements in the region, according to a statement.
For decades, cycles of violence and instability in Congo have forced millions of families to flee their homes, often multiple times, stripping them of safety and opportunities to rebuild their lives, according to the UN.
In a statement, the parties pledged to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe and dignified particularly in return areas that have long been impacted by conflict.
Under the deal, 10,000 Rwandans are expected to be repatriated this year from Congo, up from roughly 8,400 who returned in 2025.
According to the statement, the officials from both sides emphasized “refugee return as a cornerstone of durable solutions and as a contribution to peace building and regional stability.”
“This tripartite process represents an important contribution to restoring hope, dignity, and stability for thousands of refugees.”
The UNHCR reiterated its support for both governments throughout the process and underscored the need to intensify efforts to enhance refugees’ self-reliance to reduce people’s dependency on humanitarian assistance.
The UN refugee agency also promised to continue to stand alongside the two countries, partners, and refugees to advance solutions that will end the forced displacement of thousands of Congolese and Rwandan refugees in the Great Lakes region.
UN data shows that Congo hosts more than 196,000 Rwandan refugees while about 84,000 Congolese refugees and asylum seekers live in Rwanda.
