{"id":52763,"date":"2025-01-28T19:54:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T19:54:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/un-official-hails-rwanda-for-swift-response-to-accommodate-staff-fleeing-drc\/"},"modified":"2025-01-31T07:04:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T07:04:58","slug":"un-official-hails-rwanda-for-swift-response-to-accommodate-staff-fleeing-drc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/un-official-hails-rwanda-for-swift-response-to-accommodate-staff-fleeing-drc\/","title":{"rendered":"UN official hails Rwanda for swift response to accommodate staff fleeing DRC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Speaking on the evacuation process, Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI thank the government of Rwanda for the very timely approval. Because the security situation was evolving, which meant that the lives of those UN staff and their dependents were threatened, they could have become casualties of the fighting. But by the speed of the decision-making by the government of Rwanda, it meant that they were eager to help to secure free passage for these UN national staff,\u201d Ojielo told members of the press on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>He noted that, given the nature of the conflict, many evacuees fled without official documents. Despite this, Rwanda stepped in to host them and arranged hotel accommodations, even before securing funds for their stay. <\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"656\" height=\"369\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qlDzDgT4VOE\" title=\"UN Resident Coordinator Praises Rwanda&#39;s Efficient Handling of UN Personnel from the DRC\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>More than 1,800 UN personnel and their families were evacuated to Rwanda on Monday after the conflict between the FARDC coalition forces and M23 rebels intensified in the eastern DRC. The individuals crossed through the Grande Barri\u00e8re border post in Rubavu District.<\/p>\n<p>The situation escalated after M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, on Monday, following the capture of several other strategic towns, including Sake and Masisi, over the past few weeks.<\/p>\n<p>Ojielo described the government\u2019s efforts at the border as highly organized and effective. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll be surprised that by 6 a.m. that same Monday, the entire architecture of government was at the border, on the Rubavu side. From state security, police, you name that, medical personnel, they were all there,&#8221; the official remarked.<\/p>\n<p>Recognizing the efforts of ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), he praised the seamless process through which evacuees were identified, transported, and accommodated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt Kigali Pele Stadium, the highest levels of government were present, coordinated by MINAFFET through Permanent Secretary, [and] the Inspector General of Police was in charge. People arrived by buses, they were processed. Rwanda Convention Bureau made elaborate arrangements with various hotels, people were put in buses, and taken to the hotels,\u201d he explained.  <\/p>\n<p>The first group of evacuees, totalling 660 individuals\u2014mostly women and children\u2014arrived at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday afternoon after being transported from the Rubavu border in military convoys. By the end of the day, over 1,832 individuals had been processed and accommodated in hotels.  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI cannot tell you how grateful we are as a United Nations country team in Rwanda to our government for the truly exceptional mobilization of capacities and resources of the government of Rwanda to support these UN staff come through,&#8221; Ojielo added.<\/p>\n<p>The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced multiple international organizations to evacuate non-essential personnel. <\/p>\n<p>Rwanda became a critical evacuation hub after Goma\u2019s airspace and waterways were shut down amid allegations by M23 that the Congolese army was using the airport to load bombs targeting civilians.  <\/p>\n<p>Ojielo noted that in the coming days, the focus will be on the safe return of non-essential UN staff to their home countries and continued support for refugees in Rwanda. Many of the UN personnel hosted by Rwanda are originally from Congo. Plans are in place to facilitate the return of those wishing to travel to Kinshasa by air.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Though not all of those evacuated were refugees, Rwanda continues to host thousands of refugees, many of whom have fled the DRC over the past two decades,&#8221; Ojielo added.<\/p>\n<p>He urged the international community to increase support for Rwanda\u2019s ongoing efforts.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I appeal to the international community to assist Rwanda in supporting the refugees, especially those who are still here or may come, as this is a significant burden for the country to shoulder,&#8221; Ojielo concluded.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80688 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/un_2.jpg\" alt=\"Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.  \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80695 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/002-ec1a1894-90c6f.jpg\" alt=\"UN staff and their families were supported by Rwanda, which facilitated their relocation from Rubavu to Kigali.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80693 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/004-ec1a1906-15b2c.jpg\" alt=\"The first group of evacuees, totalling 660 individuals\u2014mostly women and children\u2014arrived at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday afternoon.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80694 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/003-ec1a1902-d3a25.jpg\" alt=\"The UN staff and their families were fleeing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80691 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/005-ec1a1926-f5616.jpg\" alt=\"Upon arriving in Kigali, they were received at Kigali Pel\u00e9 Stadium.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80692 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/006-ec1a1931-e819d.jpg\" alt=\"MONUSCO and the UN provided support by securing accommodation and facilitating travel arrangements for those who wished to return to their home countries.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80700 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/007-ec1a1942-df201.jpg\" alt=\"The conflict they fled in the DRC was marked by clashes between the M23 group and the Congolese army (FARDC), alongside their allies, including the terrorist group FDLR, Wazalendo, and mercenaries from various countries.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80699 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/008-ec1a1946-ec23a.jpg\" alt=\"The UN staff fled DRC with their families.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80698 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/009-ec1a1951-4c2e2.jpg\" alt=\"Some of the families had young children.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80697 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/010-ec1a1966-c877c.jpg\" alt=\"The first group comprised 660 individuals.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80696 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/011-ec1a1982-097c0.jpg\" alt=\"They requested to pass through Rwanda and be accommodated there, as all other possible routes were closed due to the ongoing conflict.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80705 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/012-ec1a1987-a82d2.jpg\" alt=\"Upon arriving in Rwanda, the UN covered the cost of their accommodation.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80703 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/013-ec1a1992-f0c36.jpg\" alt=\"The UN staff are accommodated in various hotels in Kigali City.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80702 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/016-ec1a2015-7e88e.jpg\" alt=\"The UN staff, along with their families, fled after realizing their lives were in danger in Goma.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80704 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/014-ec1a1999-33c31.jpg\" alt=\"Rwandan volunteers were present to assist the UN staff and their families.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80701 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/015-ec1a2007-7642f.jpg\" alt=\"Many of the UN staff who fled are originally from the DRC.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80709 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/017-ec1a2022-8b3e1.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda assisted the UN in finding a means of transporting its personnel who had fled.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80710 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/018-ec1a2027-1e96c.jpg\" alt=\"Among those evacuated were children.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80706 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/019-ec1a2037-82cd1.jpg\" alt=\"Officials were designated to oversee the maintenance of hygiene standards during the transportation of displaced UN personnel.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80708 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/020-ec1a2040-15a88.jpg\" alt=\"Many of the UN personnel who fled were working in the city of Goma.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80707 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/021-ec1a2045-2e51a.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda made significant efforts to streamline the reception of the displaced UN personnel, despite the large numbers.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80715 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/022-ec1a2068-8bb0a.jpg\" alt=\"Basic essentials were provided for the displaced, including drinking water.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80714 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/023-ec1a2074-4d347.jpg\" alt=\"The displaced also included very young children.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80713 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/024-ec1a2079-fcf43.jpg\" alt=\"The UN was pleased with how Rwanda welcomed its personnel.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80712 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/025-ec1a2087-f0e28.jpg\" alt=\"The UN personnel were received at Kigali Pele Stadium.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80711 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/026-ec1a2097-ba670.jpg\" alt=\"Kigali Pele Stadium set up as a large reception area to accommodate those evacuated.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80720 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/027-ec1a2106-144cb.jpg\" alt=\"Officials were designated to register and assist UN personnel seeking refuge.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80718 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/029-ec1a2119-2b6d0.jpg\" alt=\"Many of the UN personnel who fled arrived without any documentation.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80719 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/028-ec1a2114-0ad32.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda received over 1,800 UN personnel and their families.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80717 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/031-ec1a2130-1deba.jpg\" alt=\"Arrangements were made to receive those arriving in Rwanda during the rain, ensuring they would remain sheltered.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80716 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/030-ec1a2123-6e722.jpg\" alt=\"Upon arriving in Rwanda, they found relief and rest, escaping the dangers they had faced in Goma.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80725 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/033-ec1a2136-40986.jpg\" alt=\"Upon arriving in Rwanda, some may opt to stay or proceed to Kinshasa.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80724 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/035-ec1a2141-3f774.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80723 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/034-ec1a2138-976b7.jpg\" alt=\"Despite the challenging times, those who had just arrived in Kigali appeared to find relief.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80721 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/036-ec1a2146-f0b62.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80722 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/037-ec1a2148-0785c.jpg\" alt=\"Volunteers assist with daily activities and operations carried out within the country.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80730 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/038-ec1a2155-78825.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80729 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/039-ec1a2158-c8b5d.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80728 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/041-ec1a2163-6ae49.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80727 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/040-ec1a2160-ef6f4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80726 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/042-ec1a2165-3cce0.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80735 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/043-ec1a2168-7e78f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80734 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/045-ec1a2183-df585.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80733 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/044-ec1a2176-b4a52.jpg\" alt=\"Upon reaching Kigali Pel\u00e9 Stadium, they started to regain their sense of relief and happiness.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80732 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/047-ec1a2188-31146.jpg\" alt=\"The families received in Rwanda include a large number of children.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80731 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/046-ec1a2186-18b11.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80740 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/049-ec1a2193-c774c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80739 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/048-ec1a2190-d2cf3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80738 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/050-ec1a2195-f4d19.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80737 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/053-ec1a2200-b4a1b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80736 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/051-ec1a2196-30df8.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80745 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/052-ec1a2198-612cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80744 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/055-ec1a2206-36d6e.jpg\" alt=\"The UN personnel, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, were warmly welcomed in Rwanda.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80743 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054-ec1a2205-71644.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80742 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/056-ec1a2208-89648.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80741 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/057-ec1a2210-39328.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80750 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/058-ec1a2212-044a8.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80749 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/060-ec1a2216-12595.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80748 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/059-ec1a2213-674e5.jpg\" alt=\"Some carried cards and uniforms from the UN departments they worked for.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80747 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/063-ec1a2223-8d4a2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80746 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/061-ec1a2218-8c2bf.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80755 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/062-ec1a2220-7271e.jpg\" alt=\"After arriving in Rwanda, those who wish to will be assisted in securing flights to Kinshasa.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80754 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/065-ec1a2226-11b42.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80753 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/064-ec1a2224-34cca.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80752 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/066-ec1a2230-c1058.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80751 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/067-ec1a2248-46feb.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80759 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/068-ec1a2250-e0513.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80758 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/070-ec1a2256-2240f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80756 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/071-ec1a2258-bb1b3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80757 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/073-ec1a2261-499ac.jpg\" alt=\"There was an initial verification to confirm whether these individuals were indeed UN personnel.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80765 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/072-ec1a2260-d6841.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80764 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/074-ec1a2263-0529f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80763 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/075-ec1a2273-38b78.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80762 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/077-ec1a2279-47663.jpg\" alt=\"They were received at Kigali Pel\u00e9 Stadium before being taken to various hotels around the city.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80761 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/076-ec1a2275-26ef6.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80775 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/128-ec1a2566-867d0.jpg\" alt=\"The UN personnel requested that Rwanda provide a route through the Grande Barri\u00e8re border to help them escape and save their lives.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80774 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/127-ec1a2560-3fa8a.jpg\" alt=\"Those evacuated were provided with soft drinks and snacks.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80773 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/126-ec1a2558-aef00.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80772 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/125-ec1a2538-c0e6d.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80771 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/122-ec1a2530-03c50.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80784 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/112-ec1a2475-e47bd.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80783 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/110-ec1a2471-ee125.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80782 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/108-ec1a2460-3494e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80781 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/103-ec1a2418-05e18.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80780 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/102-ec1a2410-1dc45.jpg\" alt=\"The UN workers were provided with an escort by the police.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80779 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/093-ec1a2346-e8bd8.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80778 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/091-ec1a2335-9a0c0.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80776 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/090-ec1a2331-bd58f.jpg\" alt=\"The Rwanda Police escorted them from Rubavu to Kigali.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-80777 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/082-ec1a2296-d94cd.jpg\" alt=\"Sufficient buses were provided to transport the UN personnel and their families.\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The United Nations (UN) has praised Rwanda for its rapid and well-coordinated response in accommodating the agency staff and their families fleeing the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000080690,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[72,75],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-52763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-featured-news-home","tag-homenews","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":131}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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