Rwandan Refugees Return | 532 Come Back
532 Rwandans Safely Return Home.
Rwandan refugees return as 532 citizens come back home from Congo, welcomed with support from local authorities.
These citizens had been trapped for years under the control of the FDLR armed group, but were finally able to cross into Rwanda through the La Corniche border in Rubavu District.
For more on Rwanda’s refugee programs, visit UNHCR Rwanda.
Rwanda and Congo Peace Agreement
The return followed a peace agreement signed between Rwanda and DRC on July 24, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Rwanda was represented by Ambassador Charles Karamba.
- DRC was represented by Shaban Lukon Bihango Jacquemain, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Security.
This agreement built upon earlier accords, including one signed in Washington on June 27, 2025, which emphasized the voluntary and safe repatriation of refugees from both countries.
Past Repatriations from Congo
This is not the first group to return. On May 19, 2025, Rwanda welcomed 796 citizens who had also been held by FDLR rebels.
At that time, Rwanda’s Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, reassured the returnees that Rwanda was peaceful and safe, dismissing false rumors spread by the FDLR.
“Those who want you to stay in Congo spread lies to control your families and force your children into terrorism. Rwanda is peaceful, and there is no reason to fear coming back home,” Minister Murasira said.
Refugees Describe Rwanda as Peaceful
Many of the returnees said they were surprised to find Rwanda safe and welcoming. Some shared that they had been told by FDLR that Rwanda was unstable and dangerous, but upon arrival, they found peace.
One returnee said:
“They used to say Rwanda is too small and cannot handle its people. But we have seen it is possible to live here in peace.”
Rwanda’s Policy Towards Former Rebels
Rwanda has also shown a policy of reintegrating former combatants of the FDLR who surrender voluntarily. Instead of punishment, they are provided with rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Read more about Rwanda’s demobilization and reintegration programs.
This reassures refugees that even those with past links to armed groups can return safely without fear of revenge.
Numbers Keep Increasing
By May 2025, more than 1,100 Rwandans had already returned home from Congo voluntarily. With the latest group of 532, the numbers continue to grow as more refugees gain confidence in Rwanda’s safety and future.
