Rwanda on Thursday received 403 citizens who returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), entering through the La Corniche One Stop Border Post in Rubavu District.
The returnees were officially welcomed by Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper, who assured them of support and briefed them on opportunities available in Rwanda, as well as reintegration programmes aimed at helping them resettle into normal life.
The returnees expressed joy at coming back home, saying they were ready to begin a new chapter after spending years in the DRC.
In their testimonies, some said they had been under the influence of the FDLR armed group, which allegedly restricted their movement and discouraged them from returning, while spreading fear that they could face harm upon arrival in Rwanda.
They further noted that ongoing fighting involving M23 and the FARDC, alongside FDLR presence, created opportunities for some to escape and make their way back home, particularly from areas where FDLR positions were displaced.
Official figures indicate that since the beginning of the year, Rwanda has received more than 1,687 returnees, reflecting continued repatriation flows and ongoing reintegration efforts for citizens returning from abroad.
