Rwanda has received 511 returnees from 153 families who had been held captive by the FDLR, a terrorist group operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The group crossed into Rwanda on November 20, 2025, through the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC.

Among them were 127 women, 32 men, and 352 children. Upon arrival, they were taken to the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District.

These returnees had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after being freed from various regions in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR, a group formed by remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The Vice Mayor of Rubavu in charge of Economic Development, Deogratias Nzabonimpa, assured the returnees that they would receive essential support to help them reintegrate into society.

“They will be given basic necessities to help them sustain themselves and contribute to the country, as this is the approach taken to bring them back into the Rwandan community. They will also be supported with various projects in their areas to help them provide for their families,” he stated.

Nzabonimpa also highlighted that the increasing number of returnees is a clear sign that the ongoing awareness campaigns are effective, with everyone playing a role.