From 25th- 29th September, 2017, 15 Rwandan refugees exiled in different countries since 1994 participated in the “Come and See, Go and Tell” programme organized by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees in partnership with UNHCR.
The organization of come and see, go and tell program aimed at inviting Rwandan refugees still living abroad to come and witness themselves how far Rwanda has progressed in terms of stability and development so as they should return in the host countries to inform their fellows the reality instead of relying on rumors aiming at damaging the Rwandan image.
Nyirahabinka Innocente currently living in Zambia left Rwanda 23 years ago. Delighted by what she saw after the visit, she confidently promised to tell the story she witnessed herself on how far Rwanda has gone in terms of development, stability and people’s lives improvement
“I thank the government of Rwanda for initiating Come and See, Go and Tell program. I observed everything; grass thatched houses are no longer there, I have seen numerous beautiful infrastructures like roads, electricity, health centers and many more. Rwanda has really changed.” said Nyirahabinka Innocente after visiting her family in Mbazi Sector, Nyamagabe District.
Nkurikiyinka Damascene is a Rwandan Refugee currently living in Zimbabwe, he also left Rwanda 23 years ago. He commended Come and See, Go and tell program saying that it has enabled him accurately know the facts of what is really happening in Rwanda contrary to some rumors he was used to where he lives as a refugee.
Come and See, Go and Tell program was initiated in 2013. This year’s session was attended by 15 Rwandan Refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda. They visited their relatives from different Districts. As the end of the cessation clause for Rwandan refugees who left Rwanda between 1959 and 31st December, 1998 draws nearer, they won’t be considered as refugees any more by December 31, 2017, hence their visit before voluntary repatriation.
The Government of Rwanda in partnership with UNHCR pay transport costs for Rwandan refugees who come back home, provide monetary resettlement packages, with children getting $150 and adults $250 but this resettlement allowance won’t be applied for those who will miss the December 31, 2017, deadline.