The returnees arrived on Thursday, 22 October 2026, through two border crossings: Grande Barrière, linking Rubavu district with Goma in the DRC, and Rusizi I, in Rusizi district.

Of the 419 people, 380 crossed into Rwanda through Grande Barrière, while the other 39 entered through Rusizi I.

For many, the return marked the end of a difficult period away from home. Several said they were relieved to be back in Rwanda after experiencing insecurity, repeated displacement and fear while living in the forests.

Icyimpaye Rachel described life in the DRC as a constant struggle, saying they were frequently forced to flee fighting and often lost their belongings to armed fighters.

“Life there was difficult. We were always running away because of the fighting, and the rebels would take our belongings,” she said.

She added that she was happy to be back in Rwanda and encouraged others who remained in the DRC to return home and work with fellow citizens to improve their lives.

Another returnee, Nshimiyimana Jean Claude, said their lives had been disrupted by constant movement through the forests. He also alleged that they had been given false information about conditions in Rwanda to discourage them from returning.

“They told us there was no peace in Rwanda and that anyone who came back would be killed. We were always moving from place to place. Is that not holding us hostage?” he said.

Nshimiyimana said he was grateful to have returned safely, noting that some of those who had remained in the forests had died.

At the Rusizi I border crossing, Kamembe Sector Executive Secretary Jean de Dieu Rwango welcomed the returnees and urged them to work alongside other Rwandans in contributing to the country’s development.

He assured them that the government would continue to support them as they settled back into their communities, including by helping address their children’s educational needs.

“Welcome back to your homeland. You can now see that what you were told was not true. We are at peace here,” Rwango said.

The 419 returnees have been taken to the Nyarushishi temporary reception camp in Nkungu Sector, Rusizi district, where they will receive basic assistance before reuniting with their families.

They are also expected to receive essential supplies and initial financial support to help them start rebuilding their lives in Rwanda.