On Saturday, hundreds of Rwandan refugees, predominantly women and children, repatriated to Rwanda from eastern Congo after nearly three decades of exile sparked by the 1994 genocide. This repatriation, supported by the UN and aid groups, began amidst escalating conflict in the region, including the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Local authorities view the returnees as crucial for Rwanda's developmental efforts. The initiative aims to reintegrate 2,000 refugees, some of whom, like Nyirakajumba Twizere, had never seen their homeland before this journey.
"We are happy to welcome our compatriots. They are a valuable workforce for the country's development," said Prosper Mulindwa, the Rwandan mayor of Rubavu.
"I never thought this day would come. I'm finally going back to the land of my ancestors," said Nyirakajumba Twizere, who was born in Congo.
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