On International Refugee Day, which celebrates the bravery and tenacity of individuals forced to leave their homes, eyes turn to Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where a community of refugees resides. Rwandan. A discordant voice is heard among them, expressing their reluctance to return to their country of origin due to the lack of peace and security in Rwanda.
This speech reveals a little-known reality, far from the images often presented on television. A Rwandan refugee, preferring to remain anonymous for security reasons, says she feels much better in the DRC than in Rwanda, emphasizing gratitude to the Congolese government and the local population.
Figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicate that Goma hosts around 3,000 refugees, mainly from Rwanda and Burundi. These individuals fled their country in search of security and protection in the face of violence and persecution.
For some Rwandan refugees in Goma, returning to their country of origin seems compromised by the precarious security situation there. Their testimonies highlight the ongoing challenges of building peace and reconciliation in Rwanda, essential elements for the voluntary and secure return of refugees.
This International Refugee Day reminds us of the importance of redoubled efforts to find lasting solutions to displacement crises, by addressing the root causes of these forced exiles and creating conditions conducive to voluntary return, resettlement and local integration of refugees.
It is essential to continue providing humanitarian support, protection and opportunities to refugees and displaced people, to enable them to rebuild their lives in host countries. The international community must guarantee respect for the rights of refugees and ensure that they can live in dignity and security.