Addis ababa: The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) came together in a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting in Ethiopia to address the voluntary return of refugees. This meeting resulted in a joint statement aimed at accelerating the repatriation process.
According to Anadolu Agency, the joint communique was signed by Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, Rwandan Ambassador Charles Karamba, and UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou in Addis Ababa. A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the 2025-2026 Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map on Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration, which outlines significant milestones, duties, and timelines. This follows preparatory discussions held in Addis Ababa on July 22-23.
These discussions are part of a broader peace process, following the June 27 peace agreement in Washington between Congo and Rwanda, and the July 19 Doha declaration with the M23 rebels. The M23 group, central to the conflict in eastern Congo, currently controls significant areas, including Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.
The stakeholders committed to accelerating the repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees in Goma, enhancing community consultations, and exploring engagement to resume returns under the July 2025 Doha Declaration. They also emphasized inclusive reintegration plans as essential for sustainable peace and recovery, particularly in Congo and the Great Lakes region.
The statement emphasized the importance of considering the needs of internally displaced persons in these processes. The UNHCR was acknowledged as a neutral and humanitarian entity responsible for safeguarding refugees and seeking enduring solutions for their plight.
All parties reiterated their dedication to ensuring the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of peacebuilding and regional stability. They also agreed to regular technical meetings under the Tripartite Mechanism and planned to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to evaluate progress and provide strategic guidance.