The returnees, mostly women and children, entered the country through the La Corniche border post in Rubavu District. Their repatriation follows resolutions from a trilateral meeting between Rwanda, DRC, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

Before returning home, the group had been hosted in a temporary camp in Goma after being freed from areas previously controlled by the FDLR.

Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa welcomed them and reaffirmed that Rwanda’s good governance ensures unity and security for all citizens.

“You have made the right choice to return home, because after the years you spent outside Rwanda, once you arrive, you will see the losses you endured.

You will immediately notice the care and love the Rwandan government has for its citizens, and you will enter a safe and welcoming environment.

From today, until you reach your homes, the government will take care of you. You will immediately experience security and see how the Rwandan state prioritizes its people a stark difference from where you were, where people claiming to care for you often had hidden motives.”

The repatriated group was transported to Nyarushishi Transit Centre in Rusizi District, where they will receive identification documents and basic services before returning to their respective communities.

Adults are given an initial support package of $188 (about Rwf 272,800), while minors receive $113 (about Rwf 164,000), along with food supplies worth Rwf 40,800 per person to help them restart their lives.

This latest group adds to the growing number of Rwandans who have been freed from FDLR captivity and safely returned home, as Rwanda continues to work with regional and international partners to ensure the safe repatriation and reintegration of all its citizens.