Title: The return of Congolese refugees: a step towards reintegration and reconstruction
Introduction:
Seventy-two Congolese refugees, who fled to Angola from the abuses committed by the Kamwina Nsapu militia in 2017, are finally back in Kinshasa. Organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this first air convoy marks an important step in the process of repatriating Congolese refugees. In this article, we will explore the efforts made by UNHCR and the Congolese government to facilitate the return of these refugees and examine the importance of their reintegration into Congolese society.
Joint efforts to facilitate the return of refugees:
The permanent secretary at the National Commission for Refugees (CNR), Éric Mukandila, praised the efforts of the UNHCR in collecting these refugees and bringing them back to the DRC. He also reassured the refugees that the Congolese government will do everything possible to ensure their supervision and promote their reintegration. This close collaboration between the UNHCR and the government demonstrates the desire to facilitate the return of Congolese refugees to their country of origin.
The UNHCR representative in the DRC, Angèle Dikongue Atangana, spoke with pride about the return of these refugees. She stressed that UNHCR hopes to welcome 300 additional refugees and work in collaboration with the relevant authorities to facilitate their settlement and reintegration into Congolese society. It is essential to provide adequate support to these refugees to help them rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of their country.
Continuous repatriations to ensure a safe return:
The first air convoy marking the return of Congolese refugees is only the beginning of a series of repatriations planned in the days to come. The second convoy is scheduled to arrive next Saturday, still from Angola. These repatriations reflect the commitment of UNHCR and the Congolese government to facilitate the safe return of Congolese refugees dispersed in different countries.
UNHCR also established repatriation programs for refugees from Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, allowing nearly 698 people to return home. These initiatives demonstrate UNHCR’s capacity to manage repatriation operations and ensure the safety and protection of refugees throughout this process.
Reintegration: a major challenge for national reconciliation:
The return of Congolese refugees is a crucial step towards national reconciliation and the reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, it is important to recognize that refugee reintegration will not be without challenges. Refugees have often experienced considerable trauma and loss during their period of exile and will need physical, psychological and social support to rebuild their lives.
The government and UNHCR must work closely to put in place robust reintegration programs, including economic initiatives to help refugees regain sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, it is essential to promote reconciliation and social cohesion by facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding between local communities and returned refugees.
Conclusion:
The return of Congolese refugees from Angola marks a significant step towards their reintegration into Congolese society. The joint efforts of UNHCR and the Congolese government to facilitate these repatriations demonstrate their commitment to the protection and security of refugees. However, it is essential to take into account the challenges of reintegration and provide adequate support to help refugees rebuild and contribute positively to the development of their country.