A total of 359 Rwandans on Thursday returned from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), entering the country through the La Corniche border post connecting Rubavu and Goma.
The group is largely made up of women and children from the districts of Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, and Musanze.
Some of the returnees said many other Rwandans still living in eastern DRC remain reluctant to come back due to fear and misinformation, including rumours claiming they could face imprisonment or violence upon returning to Rwanda.
The latest repatriation comes amid ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC, where intensified fighting between the M23 and the Congolese army coalition, including the FDLR, has continued to displace civilians.
As M23 advances in several parts of eastern DRC and pushes out FDLR elements, increasing numbers of Rwandans who had previously been stranded in the conflict-affected areas are now returning home.
