On Tuesday August 8, 2013, the Government of Rwanda handed over 129 Congolese refugees to Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Those refugees were received at “Grande-barrier” border in Rubavu District by DRC high government officials represented by Mr. Julien Paluku, the Governor of North Kivu Province.
Those refugees had fled the country last July when fighting between FARDC and the M23 rebels resumed. They entered to Rwanda through Busasamana border in Rubavu District. On July 30, 2013, they tried to return to their country through Grande-Barrier border, but it was not possible due to some immigration regulations. They were taken in Nkamira Transit Center as negotiations were ongoing between the two governments and UNHCR, to organize a smooth repatriation.