A total of 251 Rwandans who had spent years in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have returned home, expressing joy at reuniting with their country, with some saying the development they found exceeded their expectations.
Some returnees said they were amazed by Rwanda’s infrastructure and level of development, describing their experience as feeling like arriving in Europe.
Of the returnees, 194 entered Rwanda through the Grande Barrière border in Rubavu District, 34 crossed through the Rusizi I border post, while 23 returned through the Kamanyola border crossing.
Some said life in the DRC had been difficult due to conflict, insecurity and a lack of identification documents, which restricted their movement and access to certain places.
They expressed relief at returning home and optimism about rebuilding their lives, taking advantage of available opportunities and improving their livelihoods.
Others said misinformation about Rwanda, including claims that those who returned would be killed, had discouraged them from coming back earlier.
Some also alleged that the FDLR militia had encouraged them to remain in exile, promising that it would eventually take control of Rwanda and facilitate their return, but those promises never materialised.
Rwiririza Fred, Acting Executive Secretary of Rusizi District, who received some of the returnees, said discussions with them revealed that misinformation was among the main reasons many had delayed returning home.
“We held discussions, and most said they had been receiving false information that things were not good in Rwanda. However, after hearing reports from others who had returned before them, they also decided to come back,” he said.
Rwiririza urged the returnees to take advantage of opportunities available in Rwanda, engage in income-generating activities and prioritise their children’s education.
“Rwandans are hardworking people. Most of them are still young, so they should go out, work and improve their livelihoods. They should seek guidance from others whenever they encounter difficulties and approach us for support. They should also ensure their children go to school and get an education. I told them that they have not been left behind and should start looking for ways to develop themselves like everyone else,” he said.
The return comes as Rwanda continues to receive citizens who have spent many years in exile in the DRC, some of whom cite conflict, insecurity and misinformation about Rwanda as reasons for their delayed return.
