Hundreds of Rwandans Return Home After Years in FDLR Captivity

The returnees, from 153 families, crossed into Rwanda via the La Corniche border linking the two countries. The group includes 127 women, 32 men, and 352 children.

Upon arrival, vehicles transported the returnees to the Nyarushishi Center in Rusizi District, where they will receive temporary care and support. They had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after being displaced from various areas in eastern DRC.

Deogratias Nzabonimpa, deputy mayor of Rubavu in charge of economic development, told the returnees they would receive basic assistance to help them reintegrate into Rwandan society.

“They will receive essential support to sustain themselves and contribute to the country as part of a structured process to bring them back into the Rwandan family,” Nzabonimpa said. “They will also be assisted through local projects to help support their families.”

Nzabonimpa said the growing number of returnees reflects the success of awareness campaigns encouraging Rwandans in captivity to return, supported by families and communities.

Adults over 18 will receive $188 each, while those under 18 will receive $113. All returnees will also receive basic food supplies valued at 45,000 Rwandan francs.