The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to facilitate the voluntary return of 10,000 refugees by the end of 2026 as part of renewed efforts to address displacement and improve relations between the neighbouring countries.
The agreement was reached during a ministerial meeting on June 22 in Addis Ababa involving representatives from both governments and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The two countries adopted a 2026–2027 roadmap outlining procedures for refugee repatriation and reintegration across the Great Lakes region, where years of conflict and political tensions have created one of Africa’s longest-running displacement crises.
According to a joint communiqué, the Democratic Republic of the Congo hosts 196,289 Rwandan refugees and asylum seekers, including 75,421 who have completed biometric registration. Rwanda, meanwhile, hosts 84,456 Congolese refugees and asylum seekers.
The roadmap establishes responsibilities, timelines and coordination mechanisms to support voluntary and sustainable returns.
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Authorities said 8,394 Rwandan refugees have already returned from the DRC to Rwanda since January 2025, including 2,347 returns recorded in 2026.
The next phase will focus on expanding returns, including the use of the Kamanyola-Bugarama border crossing to facilitate the movement of more than 3,600 Rwandan refugees currently living in South Kivu.
The DRC has also committed to establishing transit routes to support refugee movements toward the border.
Focus on Congolese refugees in Rwanda
Discussions also covered the situation of Congolese refugees in Rwanda, although no organised return programme has yet begun.
Kinshasa said it would identify possible resettlement areas from October 2026 after assessing refugees’ intentions and reviewing information provided by Rwandan authorities.
The two governments agreed to hold quarterly cross-border meetings starting in September 2026 to strengthen cooperation and monitor progress.
UNHCR will oversee the humanitarian process, while officials said public health considerations, including challenges linked to the Ebola outbreak, would be incorporated into return operations.
Fragile peace environment
The refugee agreement comes amid broader diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali after years of hostility linked to instability in eastern DRC.
Both governments have repeatedly accused each other of supporting armed groups operating in the region, allegations that have contributed to prolonged conflict and displacement.
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The repatriation initiative follows the Peace and Prosperity Agreements signed in December 2025 with international support, aimed at improving regional security and economic cooperation.
However, implementation remains fragile, with continued insecurity in eastern DRC threatening efforts to achieve lasting stability.
The governments and international partners say successful refugee returns will depend on improved security, access to basic services and guarantees that returnees can safely rebuild their lives.
