Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

These individuals were transferred by staff from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who escorted them from a camp in the city of Goma to the main border crossing between Rwanda and the DRC.

Following his repatriation on May 19, 2025, one elderly returnee shared that he originally came from Musanze District and had gone to the DRC in 2003 for farming activities.

He had been living in the Katale area in North Kivu province. Asked about his experience with the FDLR, he said, “They would come at night and abuse us. They even left me with a disability. I was often beaten.”

Marcel Kagabo Nibishaka, 31, said he lived in Kagusa, in Masisi territory, North Kivu.
His family fled to the DRC during the 1994 genocide. He explained how the FDLR looted their property: “They would come at night to steal livestock and food. They never came during the day as our village was far from the forest.”

Valentine Uwamariya expressed her joy at returning home to Rwanda, especially since she would finally reunite with her family.

“My family lives in Rwanda. I used to live over there, but now I’m happy to return and be with them. I came back with my six children,” she said.

Dr. Oscar Balinda, deputy spokesperson for the AFC/M23 coalition that currently controls Goma, said both the FDLR and the DRC government had been forcing civilians, including Rwandans, to remain in conflict zones as human shields.

“These people were held hostage by FDLR fighters. As you know, it’s a strategy used by the FDLR and the DRC government. Camps like Kanyaruchinya, Mugunga, and Lushagala were effectively turned into human shield zones to protect their military operations.”

The first group of hostages, totaling 360 Rwandans, returned home on May 17. They were initially settled in a temporary camp in Kijote, Nyabihu District, before being relocated to their places of origin.

The second group is being hosted in the Nyarushishi temporary camp in Rusizi District, mainly due to Kijote’s limited capacity of 500 people.

Over 1,000 more Rwandans remain in the Goma transit camp under UNHCR supervision and are expected to return in future waves.

In total, approximately 2,500 Rwandan nationals have expressed the desire to return voluntarily, following years of being prevented from doing so by the FDLR.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Mulindwa Prosper, assured the returnees that they would receive identification documents and opportunities they had missed out on.

He said children would be enrolled in school, and adults would be supported through vocational training programs to help them rebuild their lives.

“Leave your fear behind. Now you can have peace of mind and start working on your future. While in the DRC, you lived with uncertainty about tomorrow,” he said.

He also mentioned government programs designed to lift citizens out of poverty, such as Girinka (One Cow per Poor Family).

“In the near future, we expect you to become livestock farmers and develop your households.”

Mulindwa encouraged the returnees to actively participate in national programs, including community meetings, where they can stay informed and engaged in national development.

The majority of those repatriated are women and children. They arrived at the Rwanda-DRC border on the morning of May 17.

Before boarding buses taking them to Kijote camp in Nyabihu District, Western Province, they underwent basic health screenings, including temperature checks, to assess their health status.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Mulindwa Prosper, stated that the returnees were informed about the improvements in the livelihoods of their fellow Rwandans and expressed their happiness about coming back home.

“They applauded; it was clear they were emotionally moved,” he said. “It became evident that they had learned things they didn’t know before, as they had previously received different information.”

Claudine Mutoni, a 20-year-old woman, shared her story, explaining that she was born in the DRC. She described life under the FDLR as abusive, stating that the group subjected them to forced labor and violence.

“The FDLR used to abuse people, beat the men, and force us to do things beyond our strength. Coming back here, from the way we are being received, I can see things are going to be much better,” she said.

In general, the AFC/M23 forces rescued 2,500 Rwandans who had been held hostage by the FDLR. The remaining individuals are currently at a temporary refugee reception center in Goma, where they are receiving assistance from UNHCR before being repatriated in subsequent phases.

The FDLR is a terrorist group formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In addition to preventing Rwandans living in the DRC from returning home, the group has been heavily involved in violent acts against Congolese civilians, particularly Tutsi communities.

The visit reinforced growing ties between Rwanda and Hungary, following previous high-level engagements, including visits to Rwanda by Hungary’s President Katalin Novák in 2023 and Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó in 2021.

One of the key highlights was the official inauguration of Rwanda’s Embassy in Hungary. During the ceremony, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that this step reflects Rwanda’s commitment to deepening diplomatic relations with friendly nations, especially Hungary.

Rwanda opened its embassy in Budapest in December 2023. In March 2024, Ambassador Marguerite Françoise Nyagahura presented her credentials to Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok.

Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.

“This embassy, one of the newest in Rwanda’s growing diplomatic network, reflects our efforts to expand our global engagement and build ties with like-minded partners like Hungary,” he said.

“The presence of a resident ambassador here in Budapest has already begun to bear fruit, facilitating more direct exchanges, stronger institutional ties, and meaningful collaborations across sectors.”

He added that there was strong potential to deepen cooperation through mutually beneficial projects that connect businesses and institutions in both countries.

“This embassy will serve not just as a diplomatic mission, but as a bridge—fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and building enduring friendships between our peoples,” he said.

Boglárka Illés, Hungary’s Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary’s commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.

She stated that Rwanda is seen as a valuable partner and a strategic entry point for investors targeting the East African market.

Hungarian Investment in Rwanda

Minister Nduhungirehe told IGIHE that the delegation visited several institutions to encourage Hungarian investors to consider Rwanda.

Among them was Hunland, a Hungarian company specializing in cattle breeding and dairy production. The company’s executives previously visited Rwanda, met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and toured a livestock project in Gako.

They expressed interest to invest $63 million (approx. Rwf 89.9 billion) to establish a cattle farm with over 2,000 high-yielding dairy cows.

“Over the next five years, they plan to invest in more than 2,000 high-quality dairy cows and establish a livestock project that will supply improved cattle breeds to Rwandans and the wider region. This investment will be carried out in partnership with Rwandans,” Nduhungirehe noted.

However, he added that the proposal is still under review by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rwanda Development Board for approval.

The visit also included discussions on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, education, sports, health, nuclear energy, and more.

On regional security, Hungary expressed support for resolving the Eastern DR Congo crisis through dialogue rather than armed conflict.

The two countries also plan to begin negotiations in June 2025 on a bilateral investment protection agreement, covering Rwandan investments in Hungary and vice versa.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó welcomed the strengthened relations and highlighted their support for rehabilitating Rwanda’s Karenge Water Treatment Plant in Rwamagana District, with an investment of over $52 million. Renovation work is expected to begin soon.

Broader cooperation in sports

Minister Nduhungirehe also delivered a public lecture at Hungary’s Diplomatic Academy on Rwanda’s foreign policy, emphasizing key pillars such as maintaining national security, attracting investment, and peaceful coexistence with other nations.

The Rwandan delegation visited the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s largest and the world’s third-largest thermal bath facility, to explore collaboration in sports and wellness.

“These baths offer high-standard facilities for both training and international competitions. We wanted to explore how such experiences can help develop swimming in Rwanda,” Nduhungirehe said.

Minister Mukazayire held talks with Hungary’s Secretary of State for Sports, and both parties agreed to finalize a sports cooperation agreement.

Hungary, renowned in aquatic sports, pledged to send experts to assess Rwanda’s needs and support coach and athlete capacity building.

The delegation also visited the Hungarian Motorsport Academy, which supports the organization of Formula 1 races, aligning with Rwanda’s interest in potentially hosting Formula 1 in the future.

Minister Mukazayire sought to understand the infrastructure, preparation, and capacity needs required to organize such global competitions.

She also met with Hungary’s Cycling Federation officials, and they agreed to cooperate in capacity building for cycling.

Minister Mukazayire invited the Hungarian team to participate in the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to be held in Kigali in September. They confirmed their participation.

The visit concluded with the Rwandan delegation attending the opening ceremony of the 100th edition of the “Tour de Hongrie.”

Minister Mukazayire addressed attendees, encouraging them to follow the 2025 World Championships in Kigali and explore Rwanda’s vibrant tourism attractions.

Inauguration of Rwandan embassy in Hungary

Hungary’s Minister Péter Szijjártó receiving his Rwandan counterpart

Minister Péter Szijjártó and Amb. Nduhungirehe addressed members of the press

Engagement with investors

Széchenyi Thermal Bath visit

Visit to the Hungarian Motorsport Academy

Launched to address the country’s shortage of medical personnel—previously one doctor for every 1,000 people, compared to the national target of four per 1,000—the program aims to add 32,973 healthcare workers by 2028.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana recently told Parliament’s Committee on State Budget and Patrimony that the program is making substantial progress, with visible and measurable outcomes.

He noted that the number of medical students has increased 3.7 times, largely due to expanded training programs.

“We’ve focused on previously under-resourced specialties like anesthesia, intensive care, and surgery—areas that had significantly lagged behind,” said Dr. Nsanzimana.

The University of Rwanda has increased its intake capacity for medical students by 40%.

Investments have included hiring more lecturers, acquiring modern equipment, and expanding advanced teaching capabilities to offer specialized medical education.

Dr. Nsanzimana also revealed the launch of 13 new specialty programs to train healthcare professionals in fields that previously required overseas study.

“These include areas such as nephrology and orthopedic surgery, which until required sending students abroad. Today, these specialties are being developed locally through the University of Rwanda,” he said.

So far, the initiative has mobilized and spent approximately $64 million (over Frw 88 billion), funded by various development partners.

“These resources have been critical in building the infrastructure and capacity needed to reach our health sector goals,” Dr. Nsanzimana added.

To further support medical education, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) was accredited and began admitting students in November 2024.

The institution focuses on training specialists across a wide range of healthcare fields.
The entire 4×4 Reform program is projected to cost over $395.2 million (approximately Frw 508.1 billion) by its completion in 2028.

The group had withdrawn from these areas over a year ago without engaging in combat, in order to reinforce its positions in the Virunga National Park, as well as in Rugari and Kibumba.

Sources in North Kivu report that AFC/M23 recaptured Bambo and Kishishe following clashes with Wazalendo militias on May 14, 2025.

According to Radio Okapi, a few residents fled during the fighting, while others remained in their homes. As of May 16, the situation was reported to be relatively calm.

On May 15, further clashes broke out in the Buabo and Banyungu areas of Masisi Territory between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo forces, leading to more civilian displacement.

These renewed hostilities come amid ongoing peace talks between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government, which have been taking place in Qatar since March.

In April, both parties announced a ceasefire agreement; however, the Wazalendo militias—who receive backing from the government—appear to be ignoring the truce.

In an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Cardinal Kambanda—who made history as the first Rwandan Cardinal to vote in a papal conclave—highlighted the significant progress Pope Francis had made in fostering closer ties between the Church and the Rwandan government.

He expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV will continue along the same path.

“We expect him to enhance the relationship between the Church and the Government of Rwanda. Pope Francis had made great strides in improving ties, and agreements between the Vatican and the Rwandan government were nearing completion,” said Cardinal Kambanda. “The journey we are on—particularly in terms of unity, reconciliation, and resilience—is understood and supported by the global Church.”

He noted that these efforts align with the broader mission of promoting peace, development, and social harmony in Rwanda and beyond.

The election of Pope Leo XIV coincides with the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Gospel in Rwanda. When asked whether the Pope would be invited to the Jubilee celebrations, Cardinal Kambanda explained that the Pope’s tight schedule may make such a visit unlikely.

“The year is already halfway through, and the Jubilee coincides with the 2025 global celebration of the Gospel’s spread. It would be difficult for him to fit Rwanda into his schedule, but we will certainly extend an invitation for another time,” he said.

Reflecting on his own participation in the conclave, Cardinal Kambanda described the election of Pope Leo XIV as a historic moment and a profound blessing. He emphasized the global unity of the Catholic faithful during the election.

“It was a great joy to elect a Pope for the first time. Even more so because he is a person the world truly needs at this moment,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the legacy of Pope Francis, who established a uniquely strong relationship with Rwanda during his papacy.

One of the most significant gestures came in 2017, when Pope Francis publicly asked for forgiveness for the Catholic Church’s role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

On May 20, 2017, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican and held talks with Pope Francis. The meeting marked a turning point in Rwanda–Vatican relations.

During the visit, the Pope asked God for forgiveness for the Church’s failings, including the actions of clergy and other Church members who had been complicit in hatred and violence, betraying their missionary responsibilities.

Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow—on his behalf, the Holy See, and the Catholic Church—for the horrors of the genocide, and offered solidarity with the victims and survivors.

On May 8, 2025, American-born Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

He became the 267th pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, and the first American to hold the position. He secured over 89 out of 133 votes from the Cardinals participating in the conclave.