The need for the repatriation of Rwandan and Burundian refugees in 2024 raises a series of challenges. Between the impassability of the roads and the overflowing of Lake Tanganyika, the competent authorities are facing a race against time to ensure the return of more than 5,000 individuals to their country of origin.
The figures speak for themselves: more than 84,000 Rwandan and Burundian refugees are currently hosted in the province of South Kivu, divided between the Lusenda and Mulongwe camps. Among them, more than 1,200 were able to be repatriated before logistical conditions deteriorated. National road number 5, linking Uvira to Fizi, has become impassable, blocking the process of return of refugees. Likewise, the overflow of Lake Tanganyika further complicates the situation, making the crossing between Uvira and Kavimvira impossible.
Nadine Ndjoya, head of office at UNHCR/South Kivu, highlights the scale of the logistical challenge they face. Despite the objective of repatriating at least 5,000 refugees this year, the conditions are not met to guarantee a safe and dignified return. The necessary logistical interventions, mainly focused on land transport, are hampered by impassable access routes.
The UNHCR and the CNR are launching an appeal for solidarity, recalling the importance of supporting refugees in their return process. Augustin Bulimuntu, head of the CNR/Bukavu branch, insists on this crucial aspect, while more than 2 million internally displaced people from North Kivu are also supported in the region, notably in Minova and Kalehe.
The establishment of clusters dedicated to this cause makes it possible to support these vulnerable populations, but the emergency persists. The repatriation of Rwandan and Burundian refugees in 2024 remains a major challenge, requiring unfailing mobilization to overcome logistical obstacles and ensure a safe and dignified return to these individuals in search of stability and normality in their lives.
This situation highlights the importance of international cooperation and solidarity to address the humanitarian crises and population movements that persist in the region. The international community must act in a coordinated and effective manner to offer a future perspective to refugees and internally displaced persons, while respecting their dignity and fundamental rights.