Kinshasa, June 2nd, 2026 (CPA). – The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday reaffirmed, at the opening of the second meeting of the DRC–UNHCR–Burundi Tripartite Commission in Kinshasa, its commitment to facilitating the return of Congolese refugees “scattered around the world.”
“The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is fully committed to translating into action the repeatedly expressed will of His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi to see refugees dispersed around the world return home and participate in the reconstruction of the country,” said Éric Mukandila, Permanent Secretary of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR). “It is in this perspective that, for the Government of my country, this framework bringing us together today should enable us to thoroughly assess the situation of refugees from our two countries and identify solutions that will allow a greater number of them to return home in conditions of safety and dignity,” he added.
The CNR Permanent Secretary indicated that the meeting, scheduled from June 2 to 4 in Kinshasa, demonstrates the shared determination to find durable solutions to the refugee challenges affecting both the DRC and Burundi, in accordance with international legal instruments and the tripartite agreements signed in 2009 on the voluntary repatriation of refugees.He further noted that the various crises experienced by the two countries have resulted in large-scale population displacements, both internally and across borders, particularly within the Great Lakes region.
Situation of Burundian and Congolese refugees
Mr. Mukandila explained that, as of April 30th, 2024, the DRC was hosting 46,444 Burundian refugees, mainly settled in the provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, Haut-Katanga and Tanganyika. “Their repatriation has progressed at a varying pace, marked by suspensions of operations due to hostilities caused by the Rwandan army and its AFC-M23 allies, as well as the poor condition of road infrastructure,” he said, adding that the number of refugees increased significantly following the occupation of parts of North and South Kivu by the Rwandan army and AFC-M23 rebels. “The positive evolution of the security situation in the Uvira territory has facilitated the spontaneous return of more than 48,000 people and the organized return of more than 3,000 others as of May 27th, 2024,” he reported.
Call for regional cooperation
In his welcome remarks, Daniel Bumba Lubaki, Governor of the City of Kinshasa, stated that the meeting reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting durable solutions for refugees and affected populations. “I also commend the authorities of the Republic of Burundi and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their continued commitment to refugee protection and the search for lasting solutions,” he declared. For his part, Pierre Atchom, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the DRC, congratulated both the Government and people of the DRC for their longstanding hospitality towards Burundian refugees. He also expressed UNHCR’s gratitude to the Government and people of Burundi for the remarkable hospitality they have extended for many years to Congolese refugees residing in that country.
“This humanitarian commitment demonstrated by the Governments of Burundi and the DRC is not only an example of international and African solidarity, but also a tangible manifestation of the international commitments undertaken by these two sister republics,” the UNHCR representative acknowledged. The head of the Burundian delegation, Jean-Claude Nduwayo, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to respecting international conventions relating to refugees and asylum seekers. “It will continue to ensure protection for those who wish to remain in asylum status, within the limits of its available means,” he stated.
The DRC–UNHCR–Burundi Tripartite Commission serves as a consultation framework between the DRC, the Republic of Burundi and UNHCR to assess the refugee situation in both countries and coordinate mechanisms for voluntary repatriation. The tripartite agreements signed in 2009 provide the legal framework for returns under conditions of safety, dignity and respect for human rights. CPA/