After a two-year hiatus, the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Angola to their homeland in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has begun again, after the programme was put on hold in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to long-term border closures.
“The first convoy of 88 Congolese refugees departed from the Lôvua settlement in northern Angola this morning towards the border with the DRC. The convoy is expected to arrive in the DRC tomorrow,” announced Boris Cheshirkov, Spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), at the regular media briefing on Tuesday morning in Geneva.
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The Lôvua camp in Angola hosts some 7,000 refugees. Many have not seen their family since fleeing political and ethnic violence in the DRC’s restive Kasai region in 2017. More than 35,000 people crossed the border to find safety in Angola at the time.
Despite the endemic insecurity and intensification of the armed conflict in eastern DRC, which has caused 5.9 million people to become internally displaced, Mr. Cheshirkov was reassuring regarding the situation in other parts of the country: “Although conflict continues in eastern DRC, improvements in security in the west have re-opened the possibility for Congolese to return to their country in dignity and safety”.
Cash support
Upon arrival in the DRC, refugees receive cash assistance to help cover basic needs such as personal hygiene, household items and initial assistance for rent.
Additional support is also provided to help integrate the resettled populations, such as supplying needed documentation to help children go back to school.
At the same time, “UNHCR will always continue to advocate for the full support in essential services to be provided by the Government, by the authorities, to those going back, especially when it comes to insecurity, so they are able to rebuild their lives”, insisted the UNHCR spokesperson.
Diminishing returns
Already, over 600 Congolese refugees have expressed a desire to return home. More are likely to show interest with the resumption of the programme.
UNHCR assists some 57,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Angola, mostly in urban areas. “This year, the operation has received $10.3 million of the $29.8 million it needs, leaving a significant gap in addressing the basic needs of the refugees and asylum seekers. And UNHCR in DRC has received just 19 per cent of the $225 million required to respond to the growing needs of displaced people in the DRC.”
Globally, last year, nearly 430,000 people were able to return home in safety and dignity, a 71 per cent increase on the previous year. Nearly two thirds of refugee returns were to South Sudan. That number represents just two per cent of the world’s refugees.
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Is the repatriation process smooth and safe for the refugees returning to the DRC?
For the most part, the repatriation process is carefully planned and monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the refugees returning to the DRC. However, challenges may arise due to the ongoing insecurity in certain regions of the country. Rest assured, efforts are being made to facilitate a smooth transition for those going back home.
“It’s heartwarming to see the refugees finally being able to return home after such a long disruption. Let’s hope for a safe and smooth journey for all those making the trip back to the DRC.”
“It’s heartwarming to hear that these families are finally able to return to their homeland after such a long and difficult time in Angola. Let’s hope for a safe journey for all those making their way back.”
It’s heartwarming to hear that Congolese refugees are finally able to return home after the challenges they faced in Angola. Let’s hope they can reunite with their families and rebuild their lives in peace.
“It’s heartwarming to see Congolese refugees being able to return home after such a long and difficult journey. Let’s hope for their safe and smooth transition back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
I truly believe it is a positive sign to see the refugees returning home amidst the challenges they faced. It takes immense courage and resilience to make such a journey. Hoping for their safe return and a better future in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“This is great news! It’s heartwarming to see refugees being able to return home and reunite with their families after such a long time of separation.”
“It’s heartwarming to hear that the repatriation of refugees from Angola to DR Congo has resumed. People deserve to be reunited with their loved ones after facing such hardships. Let’s hope for a safe and smooth journey for all those returning home.”
“I am glad to hear that the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resumed. It’s crucial for these individuals to have the opportunity to return to their homeland and reunite with their families after such a long time away.”
It’s heartwarming to see the refugees returning home after such a difficult journey. I hope they find peace and stability in the DRC. The efforts to facilitate their repatriation are commendable, and I wish them all the best on their journey back.
Will the repatriation process be smooth and safe for the refugees returning to the DRC?
It’s heartwarming to hear that the repatriation of refugees from Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resumed. I hope this positive trend signifies a step towards stability and reunification for families separated by violence.