The ANGELS REGENERATION MATRIX network within the framework of the
RESILIENCE REGEGERATION MATRIX movement in the DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC of CONGO is making interpellation toward the international community
about the situation of Rwandan refugees in the DRC who arrived in the country after
the inter-ethnic massacres of 1994 which took place in RWANDA.
For some time now, an anti-Rwandan campaign has been developing, putting these
refugees in a situation of permanent insecurity on Congolese territory and in
particular in ITURI, SOUTH KIVU and NORTH KIVU. Some are still not regularized
by the UNHCR and therefore are doubly insecure.
The anti-Rwandan campaign has its source in the attacks of armed groups, including
the M23, currently highlighted by its advance to RUTSHURU in NORTH KIVU: this
armed group is identified by Congolese citizens as being an unofficial vanguard of
the Rwandan army.
The ANGELS network is apolitical, agnostic, and focused on repairing the web of
trust and hope in victim populations. Victims of armed conflict, war, the coronavirus
and the economic crisis. It is made up of caring people, volunteers and volunteers
recognized as trusted by their community.
Our Congolese network is very worried about the Rwandan refugees who are
strongly encouraged by the radio and the UNHCR to return to their country of origin.
As a reminder, a country that the youngs under 28 have never known. Repatriation
will also separate families made of mix Congolese-Rwandan couples.
REGENERATION MATRIX group C/O Rue de Chantepoulet 10 – 1201 GENEVA
Today, fact to be verified, the rumor runs in the refugee communities that the HRC
has abolished the status of Rwandan refugees. This community would therefore no
longer be protected by INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW. And, the UNHCR
would ask the refugees that it would no longer protect to join RWANDA because
survival aid would be withdrawn.
We cannot confirm or deny this fear, but the refugee communities believe it and most
would prefer to stay in the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO rather than,
according to them, go to prison in RWANDA and have to choose between staying
there or joining the ranks of the Rwandan army.
For 2 days, families have joined the UNHCR services which take them back to the
Rwandan border because they have no choice. Is it a choice in the face of a fear or a
reality, we cannot affirm one or the other. But the departures of families are very real.
Fear is a powerful tool for manipulating the masses. We see that Rwandan refugees
and citizens of the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO are both victims. We
would like benevolent voices to rise in government bodies and people’s
representation to reassure them about the future.
We would like to be able to regularly take news of displaced refugees in RWANDA in
order to monitor their well-being in their return to their national soil. We recall that if
RWANDA was still a model of resilience 10 years ago, this is no longer the case with
the arrival of new youth who adopt old beliefs.
Ladies and gentlemen of the international community, we ask for your help in
bringing to light these fears that affect multiple families in both communities and find
solutions to reassure people and facilitate these movements in positive
environments.
Virginie Guignard-Legros
President of REGENERATION MATRIX group and members of its ANGELS
networks around the world and in particular in the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
CONGO.
