In the Rutshuru regions, a remarkable phenomenon has been observed over the past three months: the spontaneous return of more than 383,000 displaced people to their villages. These figures, revealed in the recent report of the United Nations Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and published by Fatshimétrie on Friday, August 30, raise essential questions about the situation of populations affected by conflicts.
Testimonies collected on the ground confirm these massive returns. According to a Rutshuru notable, some displaced people are motivated by the precarious living conditions in the sites, where humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly rare and access to education for children has been compromised for several years. This wave of returns, although positive in appearance, raises concerns about the difficulties these people face in returning to their agricultural fields.
The appeal launched by the administrative head of Rutshuru resonates like a cry from the heart in favor of these vulnerable populations. He highlights the obstacles imposed by certain armed groups, such as the M23 rebel movement, which hinder access to fertile land essential for food production. “Our fear is the decision of the M23 which prohibits the population from going to the fields of Kashali de Gasahero, Kasinyidiro too. We ask the M23 to give the chance to access the fields on days that are well planned to go to the fields…”, he said.
This plea highlights the need for concerted action to guarantee the safety and well-being of these returning populations. Freedom of access to agricultural resources is a key element to ensure their subsistence and autonomy. Faced with this worrying situation, it is imperative that stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, local authorities and armed groups, collaborate to facilitate the sustainable and safe return of these displaced people.
In conclusion, the spontaneous returns of displaced persons in the Rutshuru regions highlight the urgency of an adapted and coordinated humanitarian response. Access to agricultural fields must be guaranteed to allow populations to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. This crucial issue requires special attention and collective action to meet the essential needs of these vulnerable communities and support them on the path to reconstruction.