‘Returnees’ amazed by development

A group of 13 Rwandan refugees from Burundi are in the country to assess the situation before they can make a decision to voluntarily repatriate.Organised through the “Come and See, Go and Tell” programme of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, the group arrived in the country on Tuesday.The team, which is expected to serve as ambassadors of the Rwandan progress and stability once in their camp, have travelled across various villages of Gisagara and Nyaruguru districts, getting an opportunity to meet their relatives. “I thank the Lord who offered me this wonderful opportunity to arrive in my mother country. At my age, I feel now at ease, to the extent that even though I die now, I am happy that I can be buried on home soil,” said Febronie Rigirabavukana, 80, while meeting her daughters and sons at Akanyaru border in Ngoma sector of Nyaruguru. Rigirabavukana, a refugee since 1996, said she will brief her colleagues in Burundi about the safety of the country. Excitement in familiesFamily members were also excited. Claudine Mukanyandwi, from Mugombwa sector in Gisagra district, saw Jean Claude Minani, her brother, and told him there was no reason to even return to Burundi.“I wish he stays with us here because we are fortunate and we need him as young as he is to enjoy the privilege of living with the family, and work for his future,” she said.Before visiting, the team was briefed by Huye district authorities about socio-economic progress attained and how government is eager to see all citizens return home.The refugees were reminded of the secession clause that requires them to repatriate or be naturalised after the June 30 deadline.More than 70,000 Rwandans are still living as refugees across the continent.Burundi has a big number of Rwandan refugees, according to Frederic Ntawukuriryayo, the public relations and communications officer in the Ministry of Refugee Affairs.“Come and See, Go and Tell” programme was jointly established in 2010 by Rwanda and the UN Commission or Refugees to facilitate repatriation through visits to home country.

National

‘Returnees’ amazed by development