Kinshasa, June 8th, 2026 (CPA).- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Monday reaffirmed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) its commitment to supporting Congolese citizens living abroad during a meeting between the agency’s Representative in Burundi and the Prime Minister in Kinshasa.
“The Prime Minister reassured us of the DRC’s commitment to continue supporting its citizens living abroad,” said Brigitte Mukanga, UNHCR Representative in Burundi. Speaking after the meeting, the UN diplomat reviewed recent migration flows and the voluntary return process initiated following the gradual improvement of the security situation in eastern DRC.
“With the progressive improvement of security conditions in certain areas, particularly around Bukavu, we have already launched a voluntary repatriation process to facilitate the return of some refugees,” Mrs. Mukanga said. She noted, however, that the majority of Congolese refugees still living in Burundi continue to face “particularly difficult” living conditions.
While welcoming the involvement of the Congolese authorities, illustrated by the recent field missions conducted by the Minister in charge of Social Affairs and her counterpart in charge of Foreign Affairs, UNHCR stressed that logistical and humanitarian needs remain enormous. In view of these challenges, Mrs. Mukanga called for the continued and strengthened support of the Government in Kinshasa to facilitate the return process and assist Congolese nationals.
According to figures released by UNHCR, Burundi hosted more than 100,000 Congolese civilians last year, most of whom fled the cities of Bukavu, Goma and surrounding localities in eastern DRC because of the atrocities committed in the region.
The Prime Minister meeting with the UNHCR Representative
The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face persistent security challenges, particularly in its eastern part, where negative forces, notably the Rwandan army and its AFC/M23 auxiliaries, continue to threaten the country’s stability, the safety of its population and its territorial integrity.
The situation has fuelled a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis characterized by massive population displacement, heightened risks to civilian protection and increasing pressure on basic social services, particularly healthcare and access to safe drinking water. In response, the Government led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa continues its efforts to provide assistance to Congolese refugees forced to flee the violence perpetrated in eastern DRC by negative forces supported by Rwanda.