Tanzania, DRC agree on voluntary repatriation of refugees
LUBUMBASHI, DRC: Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have agreed to begin the process of voluntarily repatriating DRC refugees in Tanzania who are ready to return home.
The agreement was reached during the Tripartite Commission Meeting held in Lubumbashi, where Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud, said the repatriation exercise would be conducted with full respect for the refugees’ safety, dignity and voluntary choice.
Mr Mahmoud said Tanzania would not encourage, pressure or persuade refugees to return to DRC, stressing that those choosing to go back must do so freely and through an orderly process.
“Tanzania will continue to ensure that refugees who decide to return to their country do so voluntarily, while the repatriation process takes into account their safety and dignity,” he said.
He added that refugees who are not yet ready to return would continue to receive protection and assistance at Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Kigoma Region, in line with available resources.
The Deputy Minister also stressed that the start of voluntary repatriation would not prevent Tanzania from continuing to receive new asylum seekers fleeing insecurity in parts of DRC.
“Tanzania will continue to receive asylum seekers who seek protection in the country due to insecurity in some areas of DRC,” he said.
Mr Mahmoud further called on DRC leaders to visit Nyarugusu Refugee Camp and engage directly with their nationals, listen to their concerns and help them maintain a sense of connection with their country.
He cautioned, however, that such visits should not be aimed at persuading refugees to return, but rather at strengthening relations and restoring hope among Congolese refugees.
The three parties also agreed to create conducive conditions for refugees who are ready to return, enabling them to reunite with their families and contribute to the reconstruction and development of their country.
