More than 12,000 refugees seek return to DR Congo in 2027
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
More than 12,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo living in the Republic of the Congo want to return to their areas of origin, notably Mai-Ndombe and South Ubangi. Repatriation should begin in 2027 after preparatory visits to reception sites, according to the conclusions of a meeting between the two Congos and UNHCR.
More than 12,000 Congolese refugees living in the Republic of the Congo want to return in 2027 to their localities of origin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), after fleeing community and customary conflicts. Their return will mainly concern the territories of Yumbi, Bolobo and Kwamouth, in Mai-Ndombe, as well as Kungu, in South Ubangi, according to the conclusions of a tripartite meeting between Kinshasa, Brazzaville and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which ended on Thursday 22 October.
UNHCR plans to launch the repatriation in 2027. Before the end of 2026, the three parties will organise “go and see” visits to the reception areas to assess the conditions for return. The Republic of the Congo hosts a total of 36,000 refugees from Mai-Ndombe and South Ubangi, according to data presented at the meeting.
DR Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, cited the redeployment of security forces, the appointment of new local authorities and the creation of an inquiry commission among the measures intended to restore state authority. He also announced peace and reconciliation forums, as well as initiatives by the governors of Mai-Ndombe and South Ubangi to promote coexistence between communities.
The planning of this return follows commitments made by the two countries to secure repatriations, notably through guarantees of sustainable returns for DR Congo refugees, announced on 22 October. It also follows preparations for the return of 13,800 DR Congo refugees, presented on 21 October.
