A total of 316 Rwandans have returned to the country from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying they had been held captive and subjected to abuses by fighters of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The returnees arrived in Rwanda on September 24, 2026, through the La Corniche border crossing linking Goma and Rubavu District. They were received by Rubavu District authorities and officials from the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA).
The group comprises 93 families who had been living in eastern DRC. Upon arrival, some of the returnees said they had experienced abuses allegedly committed by FDLR fighters, including the loss of property and other forms of mistreatment.
Rubavu District officials encouraged the returnees to reject any negative ideologies or behaviours they may have encountered while living in areas controlled or influenced by armed groups. They also urged them to focus on rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into Rwandan communities.
Following their reception at the border, the returnees were transported to the Nyarushishi temporary reception centre in Rusizi District. There, they will undergo documentation and verification procedures and receive basic assistance before being reunited with their families and communities.
MINEMA says more than 10,000 Rwandans have returned from eastern DRC since the beginning of 2025. The figure includes 406 people who returned at the end of August 2026.
At temporary reception centres, returnees receive financial and food assistance to support their reintegration. Adults aged 18 and above receive Rwf277,800, while those below 18 receive Rwf167,000. Each returnee also receives food assistance valued at Rwf45,000.
