Rwandan refugees in Congo-Brazza ready to return

Rwandan refugees currently living in Congo-Brazzaville have commended the government for the achievements registered and said they are ready to repatriate from exile. The Rwandans are part of a ten-person delegation from Congo that is in the country on a three-day visit to witness and deliver a message about the state if the country to their compatriots in exile. The delegation was accompanied by top Congolese government officials. Recently, the government adopted the “Come and See” method, where Rwandan refugees were invited to witness the current situation at home and go back to sensitise their colleagues to repatriate. “I am surprised we have been hearing Rwanda on radio and in newspapers. The country has absolutely changed; it’s now good and developed and we are going back to sensitise our relatives and friends to repatriate” said Clarisse Nyiraminani, one of the refugees. Nyiraminani told the press that as refugees, they face numerous problems that they would otherwise not face if they were back in their homeland. Martin Tuyisenge, a 26-year old university student in Congo, refuted allegations that Rwanda was insecure adding that those who propagate such rumours have other motives. He urged Rwandan refugees still scattered in various parts of world to return home. Meanwhile, UNHCR and the Rwandan government established a cessation clause that stipulates that no Rwandan living abroad would qualify for refugee status after December 31, 2011. Col. Francois Nde, a Congolese Security Advisor in the Ministry of Internal Security, who headed the delegation, said he was optimistic that with collaboration between both countries and the UNHCR, all refugees in his country would return home. Maj. Gen Paul Rwarakabije, who headed the Rwandan delegation, assured the refugees that the government would provide more information on the voluntary repatriation programme. It is estimated that over 1,700 Rwandan refugees remain in Congo Brazzaville. Ends

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Rwandan refugees in Congo-Brazza ready to return