RUSIZI-Over 100 Rwandan refugees from the DRC, over the weekend, arrived in the country through the Nyagatare transit camp.

The returnees included nine men, 31 women and 60 children formerly living in the Shabunda, Walikale, Mwenga, Karehe, Masisi and Uvira parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The returnees reportedly took the decision to repatriate after their relatives who had earlier returned allayed their fears over safety in the country.

"I chose to come home after some friends who recently returned assured us that Rwanda is safe,” said Eric Uwineza, 26-year-old returnee.

The refugees appreciated the reception accorded to them.

 "I didn’t expect Rwanda to have changed this much,” said Chantal Mukabarinda, who came along with her five children.

Bernadette Uwimana, the Assistant Social Affairs Officer at Nyagatare Transit Camp said that rebel groups block the return of refugees.

" Many refugees would wish to come home but since they stay very deep in the DRC forests, they fear risking their lives as the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) blocks them,” said Uwimana.

Two weeks ago, over 200 refugees returned from DRC, some through Nyagatare transit camp.

Ends