The Rwandan government reaffirms the principle of voluntary repatriation as a durable solution for refugees, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said in a statement.
The ministry issued the statement on the question of voluntary repatriation of refugees in the wake of reports that Burundian refugees in Mahama camp in eastern Rwanda had requested President Evariste Ndayishimiye to facilitate their return to Burundi.
A letter written by the refugees last month wanted President Ndayishimiye to liaise with the Rwandan government and the UNHCR to come up with a framework that will see them return to their homeland.
Rwanda hosts more than 70,000 refugees from Burundi according to figures from the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in March.
MINEMA said Rwanda will adhere to the principle of voluntary repatriation in accordance with international and Rwandan law.
“Rwanda reiterates its commitment to the protection of refugees on its territory, and stands ready to facilitate the safe and dignified return of those who choose to repatriate, in collaboration with UNHCR and relevant governments,” MINEMA said.
Thousands of refugees fled Burundi in 2015 when violence erupted after the late Pierre Nkurunziza controversially declared that he will vie for a third term in office. Unrest in the country in subsequent years saw many others flee to neighbouring countries.
However, President Ndayishimiye, who succeeded Nkurunziza, struck a conciliatory tone in June by inviting Burundians living in exile to return and build a new nation.
Despite the expression of willingness by the refugees to return, an agreement between the two East African nations and the UNHCR on the repatriation process does not exist.
The UNHCR said that it was working with the governments in the region to assist Burundian refugees who have made a free and informed choice to return voluntarily.
