{Seventy two Rwandans who have been refugees and have repatriated from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forests are temporality accommodated in Nyagatare camp in Rusizi district, before getting rejoined with their families. }
The 23 families repatriated from Karehe, Masisi and Walikale comprise of 20 women, 4 men and 48 children that they have decided to return to their native land after realizing how Rwanda is peaceful despite rumors spread by FDLR militants that there is no peace in the country.
Senyakazana Sylvestre, 71, has said “FDLR militias used to tell us that a repatriated refugee is supposed to be killed. We have taken the decision of coming home despite different radio messages insinuating a hard life in Rwanda.” Talking about the small number of male returnees, refugees revealed that most of them have joined rebel ranks in DRC forests—FDLR and Mayi Mayi.
Rose Nyirabakongomani also says most of their husbands joined FDLR. “We have been surviving on hard labour which men have shunned and instead joined rebels.”
Haguma Ildephonse, the head of Nyagatare provisional camp has said that repatriated refugees receive assistance when they are transferred to their families.
“We first provide a welcome remark, ask them where they come from, provide medical insurance scheme, and food to consume within three months. They stay here only for two days.”
Leave a Reply