NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — A second group of 42 Rwandan refugees from the DR Congo was last week repatriated from Uganda, by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR]

Like the earlier group which arrived in the country mid last month, this latest group also claimed they fled DR Congo north Kivu province due to fighting between government troops and Gen. Laurent Nkunda’s forces.

They entered Rwanda through Gatuna border post from where they were transferred to Rukomo transit camp on Sunday, after spending two days at Rubaya Sector near the border.

They were received at the border by Gicumbi district officials, bringing the total number close to 300 of those repatriated with UNHCR assistance since the beginning of the year; the first group of 255 having arrived on January 19.

The returnees who talked to The New Times said they fled Dr Congo in the company of Congolese citizens and went to Uganda where they were screened by UNHCR officials at Nakivare refugees’ camp in Western Uganda; to establish the Rwandans for repatriation.

At the transit camp, the returnees were provided foodstuffs including maize flour, rice, peas and beans supplied by World Food Program.

District officials said they expected more Rwandans to come. "We have standby trucks stationed at Gicumbi district to transport the Rwandan returnees from Gatuna border who are continuing to arrive in the country," said the district vice mayor Eugenie Uwamahoro.

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