A total of 43 Rwandans who fled the country in 1994 have repatriated from various regions of Democratic Republic of Congo through Rusizi I border.
Some of the homecoming Rwandans have been living in Masisi region in Southern Kivu Province. On arrival, they attributed delayed repatriation to the fact that they were threatened with harm if they were caught returning to Rwanda.
“I was waiting for my husband to repatriate together. He was later killed and I decided to return to overcome life hurdles,” said Nyirahabimana Thabia.
“ If you mobilize others to return , sometimes you get exposed to the risk of being hit by FDLR. I personally prepared my children and decided to return. I am delighted with the way you are welcoming us,” said Mukandoli Immaculée.
“Some people kept threatening us that we will be killed in Rwanda. I decided to return to overcome hardships we faced in the forests where we always fled rebel groups and wars,” added Hategekimana Faustin.
Haguma Ildephonse, the leader of the transit camp of Nyarushishi where repatriates have been accommodated requested them to join others in strengthening the foundations of unity and reconciliation.
“You are requested to uphold the progress so far attained in unity and reconciliation, live in harmony with communities and learn from them,”he said.
The new returnees include one man, 17 women and 25 children who received basic support including food items that will take them for three months.
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