The Rusizi District administration announced that more than 750 Congolese refugees have fled to Rwanda on December 5, 2025, and will be welcomed at the Bugarama border.
They are the increasing number of refugees who are crossing the Bugarama border between Rwanda and the DRC, fleeing the war between the M23 Movement and the Democratic Republic of Congo Army and other groups, which began this week.
All of them were immediately sent to the Nyarushishi Temporary Camp in Rusizi District, except for a few who requested to flee to Bukavu and were helped to get there. after crossing the Bugarama border between Rwanda and the DRC.
The Mayor of Rusizi District, Sindayiheba Phanuel, told IGIHE that more than 60% of the refugees are children, about 35% are women while 5% are men, where they will all be sent to the Nyarushishi Temporary Camp in Rusizi District.
He explained that none of the refugees who are coming are injured.
He said, “Those we have already received are shaken because they were coming to save their lives, but no one was injured. We also have basic medical care so that if someone has a problem, we can take care of them.”
These refugees are divided into three categories, including those requesting to pass through Rwanda and return to the DRC via Bukavu, others who are in need of asylum and remain in the Nyarushishi camp, and others who had gone to the DRC on business but returned due to the war.
Those who would be received and tested by the National Health Institute, those with illnesses or other special conditions, would be provided with assistance including medical care or special transportation.
Mayor Sindayiheba assured the population of security because security in Rwanda is well managed.
He said, “The sound of small and large gunfire is audible, even here in Bugarama, but it is only noise because security is maintained. We tell people that the security in Rusizi District and their development work is ongoing. Another thing is that Rwanda is a peaceful country and welcomes its neighbors well, we welcome those who seek refuge in us well and provide them with all the human rights they deserve.”
Riziki Alphonsine, who fled from Gatogota at 10:00 in the morning, said that the war was bad.
He said, “The war is so bad that they hit a bomb and it fell on someone’s house and it collapsed. It has already killed more than four people. I would not have seen my neighbor’s house destroyed or seen bombs passing by so I could stay.”
Maombi Rachel, who lived in Rubumba in Kamanyola and fled with her husband and five children, said that she also came to escape the war.
She said, “Bullets fell where we live, killing people and destroying houses. My husband and children immediately got on a motorbike and fled here. For me, it was difficult for me to walk because I have a leg disability.”
Maombi said that they left their house with everything in Kamanyola so she wants peace to return and they can return to their homes.
