205 Rwandans Return Home from DRC

Rubavu, March 12, 2026 - Rwanda welcomed 205 of its citizens who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as they voluntarily returned home on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

The returnees crossed the Rwanda-DRC border in Rubavu District, where they were received by District Commissioner Ishimwe Pacifique, responsible for social welfare.

The majority of those returning were women and children born in the DRC. Many said they decided to come back after encouragement from colleagues who had returned earlier, aiming to rebuild their lives and pursue development.

Several of the returnees had been held hostage by FDLR fighters operating in the forests of eastern DRC. Since the AFC/M23 coalition gained control over parts of the region, security conditions have improved, allowing Rwandans to return safely with support from the UN Refugee Agency.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to assist citizens stranded abroad and facilitate their reintegration into Rwandan society.