In the year 2024, the exodus of Central African refugees continues to attract attention as 201 people have made the courageous choice to return to their country of origin. Since their arrival in North Ubangi in 2013, fleeing the ravages of war in the Central African Republic, these individuals have demonstrated an unwavering desire to rebuild their lives in Bangui, the capital.
In a context marked by World Refugee Day, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) diligently orchestrated the voluntary return of 71 Central African refugees during a third wave of repatriation operations. The first convoy, made up of 59 people, took off from Gbadolite airport to reach Bangui under the aegis of the UNHCR, WFP and CNR.
The second convoy, deployed on June 6, 2024, allowed 71 other refugees to return to their homeland, bringing the total number of volunteers who have taken the step of return to date to 201. This humanitarian initiative, supervised by the provincial authorities of North Ubangi, is part of a support and reintegration process for Central African returnees.
“The provincial government is committed to supporting these return activities and guarantees the security of those who have still taken up residence on Congolese soil,” said Didier Alawe, interim governor of Nord-Ubangi, during the first wave of repatriation in May 2024. This heartwarming statement illustrates the desire of local authorities to facilitate the return process and ensure the well-being of returnees.
It is also important to underline the scale of the humanitarian crisis facing the North Ubangi province, which shelters more than 115,000 Central African refugees spread across three camps. Faced with this reality, each gesture of solidarity and mutual aid takes on its full meaning to bring a glimmer of hope to displaced people in search of stability and security.
In short, the return of Central African refugees to Bangui in 2024 embodies a glimmer of optimism in a context marked by the challenges and suffering of the exodus. Beyond borders and conflicts, the resilience and desire to rebuild of these individuals illustrate the strength of humanity and the need for international solidarity to offer a better future for all.
Didier Dutimo, in Gbadolite