30 Years in Refugee Camp – Is Repatriation Possible?

Trapped between hope and despair, the plight of Congolese refugees from the Eastern Congo

For almost three decades, a significant number of Congolese refugees have been living in foreign countries, escaping violence, conflict, and instability that have plagued their homeland. These individuals have sought refuge in neighboring countries, hoping to find safety, security, and a chance for a better life. However, the dream of repatriation – returning to their homeland – remains elusive for many. After 30 years of waiting, the question isn’t just whether repatriation is possible, but also if these refugees will ever find a place to call home.

This article delves into the challenges and complexities faced by Congolese refugees, exploring their attempted repatriation in 2018 and the ongoing discussions about their future in early 2023 “Tripartite”.

According to UNHCR’s refugee report, 2021, Rwanda hosting several refugee camps, each with its own unique story and population. Here are a few notable refugee camps in Rwanda:

1. Kiziba Refugee Camp:
   • Location: Western Rwanda, in Karongi District.
   • History: Established in 1996, Kiziba camp initially hosted refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to conflicts in the region.
   • Population: As of 2021, Kiziba was home to around 17,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC.
2. Gihembe Refugee Camp: Gihembe Refugee Camp was located in the Northern province of Rwanda, near the town of Byumba, and was established in 1997. It is one of the largest refugee camps in the country, accommodating over 15,000 refugees. Later these refugees were transferred to the Mahama refugee camp. Mahama refugee camp hosted Burundian refugees.
3. Mahama Refugee Camp:

• Location: Eastern Rwanda, near the town of Kirehe.
• History: The Mahama camp was established in April 2015 to accommodate the influx of Burundian refugees fleeing political unrest and violence in Burundi.
• Population: As of 2021, Mahama housed over 57,000 refugees, mainly from Burundi. The camp has been recognized for its well-organized structure and services.

5. Kigeme Refugee Camp: Located in Nyamagabe District in the Southern Province of Rwanda. The camp was established in 2012 and housed over 14,536 refugees. All refugees are Congolese refugees who fled due to the war of M23.

4. Mugombwa Refugee Camp: The refugee camp is located in the southern province of Rwanda and was established in 2012 – 2013. This camp was established in the M23 wars. It is home to over 5,000 refugees.

5. Nyabiheke Refugee Camp: Nyabiheke Refugee Camp is located in the Eastern province of Rwanda and was established in 2005. The camp was established in the wake of CNPD wars in the Eastern Congo and to reduce the overcrowding in the Gihembe and Kiziba camps. It is home to over 8,000 refugees.

The majority of these refugees are Congolese Tutsi from the Eastern Congo and these refugees have been living there for years, hoping for the opportunity to return home or find resettlement elsewhere. But the pressing question remains – after such a prolonged period, is repatriation even possible?

The Struggle for Repatriation/ Kiziba’s Dark Hour — 3:30 P.m. (Kigali Time)

The Kiziba refugee camp, located in Rwanda, has become a symbol of the long and arduous struggle faced by Congolese refugees seeking repatriation. In 2018, this struggle reached a tragic climax, shedding light on the complexities of repatriation efforts and the fragile balance between hope and despair.

The camp, established in 1996, has been home to thousands of Congolese refugees who fled violence, conflict, and persecution in the Eastern Congo. For over two decades, they lived in the camp, hoping for the opportunity to return to their homeland and rebuild their lives. February 22nd, 2018, fueled by the prospect of change, a group of refugees decided to take matters into their own hands and attempted to repatriate themselves.

February 22nd, 2018 was marked by an atmosphere of potential change and optimism. In the Eastern Congo, there were whispers of improving security conditions, and rumors of political stability began to circulate. This led some refugees in Kiziba camp to believe that the time might be right for them to finally return to their homes. Driven by a deep longing for their homeland and the prospect of reuniting with loved ones left behind, a group of refugees organized a movement to repatriate.

A Violent Response

However, the path to repatriation was not as straightforward as they had hoped. The Government of Rwanda, as the host country, responded with a heavy hand. When the refugees attempted to leave the camps into UNHCR to the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were met with forceful opposition from Rwandan security forces. At approximately 3:30 P.m. (Kigali Time) at the UNHCR Karongi headquarters, the situation quickly escalated, resulting in a tragic shooting and gazing that claimed the lives of 15 refugees and left over 115 individuals injured. Over 75 refugees were arrested, a large number of them have been released and 2 refugees are still incarcerated adding another layer of suffering to an already dire situation. This unnecessary force used by the Government of Rwanda continued inside the camp to intimidate and silence refugees.

The use of force by the Rwandan government shocked the international community and raised questions about the methods employed to manage repatriation efforts. It underscored the desperation of refugees to return home and the complexities surrounding their repatriation.

Unraveling Complexities

The violent response highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by both refugees and the host country when it comes to repatriation. For the refugees, the desperation to return to their homeland after decades of displacement led them to take drastic measures. Their lack of information about the situation on the ground, combined with a sense of urgency, resulted in the ill-fated attempt at self-repatriation.

On the other side, the Government of Rwanda faced the delicate task of managing refugee movements while considering its security concerns. The potential influx of refugees returning to an unstable region could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and security, leading to a cautious and forceful response to the refugees’ attempt at repatriation.

The Long Road to Tripartite Discussions

Early this year, on May 15, 2023, in GENEVA, a glimmer of hope emerged as discussions began between the Government of Congo, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Rwanda regarding the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees. This tripartite effort aimed to address the long-standing issue of repatriation and create a pathway for refugees to return to their homeland voluntarily and safely. However, despite the initial talks, progress has been slow, leaving refugees uncertain.

The delegation of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was led by H.E. Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie, while the delegation of the Government of the Republic of Rwandan was led by H.E. Marie Solange Kayisire, Minister in Charge of Emergency Management. Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner for Refugees, led the UNHCR delegation. Staff from the Office of the Special Envoy for the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes, in its strategic role in Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, also participated.

The concept of repatriation, the voluntary return of refugees to their home country, is often imbued with hope, yet its realization is a journey fraught with challenges and complexities. The Tripartite Discussions, initiated between the Government of Congo, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the host country Rwanda, offer a glimmer of hope for Congolese refugees living abroad for nearly three decades. This effort, while commendable, illustrates the intricate nature of negotiating the repatriation process and the complexities that arise on the long road toward a sustainable solution.

A Delicate Balancing Act

The Tripartite Discussions, a three-way dialogue involving the countries of origin, host countries, and international bodies, are intended to facilitate the safe and voluntary repatriation of refugees. In the case of Congolese refugees, this dialogue seeks to address the myriad challenges that have prevented their return home, including conflict, political instability, and the lack of essential services in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

However, orchestrating these discussions is a delicate balancing act. The Government of Congo must address the root causes of displacement, provide assurance of safety and security, and offer incentives for returnees to rebuild their lives. Rwanda, as the host country, must consider its security concerns, the potential impact of repatriation on its resources and stability, and the well-being of refugees under its care. The UNHCR, as the international organization overseeing refugee affairs, plays a vital role in coordinating efforts, ensuring the voluntary nature of repatriation, and safeguarding the rights of refugees.

Challenges on the Path

While the Tripartite Discussions hold promise, they are not immune to the challenges that have plagued previous repatriation efforts. The intricate web of political, social, and economic factors contributes to the complexity of the situation:

1. Security Concerns: One of the most significant obstacles to repatriation is the issue of security. The Eastern Congo continues to experience sporadic violence and conflict, making it difficult to ensure the safety of returning refugees. The fear of returning to an unstable environment often deters refugees from considering repatriation.
2. Infrastructure and Services: The DRC’s lack of basic infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities poses a considerable challenge for those considering repatriation. Returning refugees require assurances that their basic needs will be met.
3. Sustainability: Repatriation efforts must be sustainable in the long term. The reintegration of refugees into their home communities requires ongoing support, including access to jobs, housing, and social services.
4. Trust-Building: Rebuilding trust between refugees and their home country’s government is paramount. Many refugees fled due to persecution, human rights abuses, and violence, and re-establishing trust is a complex process.
5. Logistical Challenges: Coordinating the logistics of repatriation, including transportation, documentation, and resettlement, requires meticulous planning and cooperation between all parties involved.

The Way Forward

As the Tripartite Discussions unfold, there is a need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to address the challenges of repatriation. The discussions must prioritize the needs and aspirations of the refugees themselves. This includes not only the physical aspects of repatriation but also the psychological well-being of those who have endured displacement for decades.

Collaboration and sustained commitment from all stakeholders is essential. The Government of Congo must demonstrate its dedication to creating a safe and conducive environment for returnees, investing in security, infrastructure, and services. Rwanda should continue to engage constructively, balancing its security concerns with humanitarian considerations. The UNHCR must continue to advocate for the rights of refugees and ensure that repatriation remains voluntary and dignified.

Conclusion

The story of Congolese refugees living in foreign lands for almost three decades is a poignant tale of endurance, hope, and resilience. Their longing to return home is a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering desire for belonging and stability. The attempted repatriation in 2018 and the subsequent discussions in 2023 underscore the intricate web of challenges and complexities that surround this issue.

As the international community navigates the delicate process of repatriation, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being and rights of the refugees. While the journey toward repatriation may be fraught with obstacles, it is a journey worth undertaking to restore the dignity and future of those who have endured so much.