Title: Congolese refugees: repatriation from Angola facilitates their return to the DRC
Introduction :
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is setting up an air repatriation process to facilitate the return of Congolese refugees in Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This repatriation is part of a tripartite agreement between the UNHCR, the government of the DRC and that of Angola, aimed at ensuring the return of refugees in safety and dignity. Recently, 82 people arrived in Kananga, in the Kasai-Central province, after deciding to return to their original environments, thus fleeing the violence linked to the Kamuina Nsapu phenomenon.
A voluntary return in safety and dignity:
The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Angola to the DRC is entirely voluntary. Among the 82 people who recently returned, the example of Marie Ngalula illustrates the joy of finding her family after several years of separation. UNHCR is providing assistance to facilitate their integration, in particular by providing them with reintegration kits and setting up programs to support them in this process. Additionally, infrastructure such as health centers and schools are built or rehabilitated in return areas to facilitate access to health care and education.
A process framed by a tripartite agreement:
The tripartite agreement signed between UNHCR, the government of the DRC and that of Angola in August 2019 defines the terms of this repatriation. It aims to facilitate the return of refugees in optimal conditions, ensuring their safety and dignity. This air repatriation process allows Congolese refugees to return to their original environments and reunite with their families. This is an important step forward in resolving the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kamuina Nsapu phenomenon.
Conclusion :
The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Angola to the DRC offers a glimmer of hope in resolving the humanitarian crisis which has affected these populations. Thanks to a voluntary process framed by a tripartite agreement, these refugees can reunite with their families and their original environments in conditions of safety and dignity. UNHCR continues to put in place assistance measures to facilitate their reintegration, including providing reintegration kits and rehabilitating essential infrastructure such as health centers and schools. This return of Congolese refugees constitutes a step towards the reconstruction and stabilization of the country.