Rwanda Welcomes 382 Returnees Freed from FDLR Captivity in DR Congo

Rwanda has received 382 citizens who were held hostage by the FDLR armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As with previous repatriation phases, the group mostly women and children entered the country through the La Corniche border post linking Rwanda and the DRC.

The repatriation follows decisions made during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

These returnees had been staying in a temporary camp in Goma after leaving several areas in eastern Congo, where they had been under FDLR captivity.

Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa welcomed the group, assuring them of Rwanda’s good governance and unity, and encouraging local communities to embrace them as fellow citizens contributing to national development.

He said, “We thank you for choosing to return home. You are coming back to a country built on unity and good leadership. We call on residents in the districts where you will settle to welcome you as neighbors ready to help build our nation.”

Mulindwa added that those who own property in Rwanda will be assisted in reclaiming it, and all returnees will receive accurate information to help them reintegrate into normal life and support their families.

The group was transported to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District, where they will receive essential services, including national identification cards, before reintegration into communities.

Each returnee will receive initial financial and food assistance adults over 18 are given $188 (about Rwf 272,800), minors $113 (about Rwf 164,000), along with basic food supplies worth Rwf 40,800 to support their resettlement.