Japan donates Rwf170m towards DRC refugees

THE government of Japan, through its embassy in Kigali, has donated Rwf 172 million to facilitate the renovation of the Kigeme refugee camp in the Southern Province and the relocation of refugees, a government official has said.Last month, over 9,300 Congolese converged at Nkamira Transit Centre in Rubavu District after fleeing fighting between Congolese troops (FARDC) and mutinous soldiers, calling themselves, M23.The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Antoine Ruvebana, said the money would be spent on various activities, including provision of medicine.“Refugees always need intensive care; they need food, medicine, shelter and other essentials. However, we intend to use the donation not only in the reconstruction of the camp but also in other activities,” he told The New Times. The funds will also cater for education, water and sanitation as well as logistical needs.He added that the government and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are scheduled to convene a meeting to assess the exact prerequisites towards the relocation exercise. The Kigeme camp initially sheltered Burundian refugees who had fled their country owing to political insurgencies.In a press statement, Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi, the Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for its generous and quick action, and assured that the approved funds would be used appropriately.The Japanese ambassador to Rwanda, Kunio Hatanaka, expressed his concern over the prevailing situation in the D.R. Congo and the Great Lakes Region in general, underscoring that his government’s desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict among the warring parties.He expressed optimism that the funds would help improve the living conditions of Congolese refugees.As a result of the ongoing conflict in the North Kivu region of the DRC, many Congolese have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries, particularly Rwanda and Uganda.

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Japan donates Rwf170m towards DRC refugees