Return of the Refugees: A New Chapter in Rwanda

Strategic Insights -

As the Rwandan city of Gisenyi fell to the Tutsi-dominated Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) at the weekend, a trickle of the 1 million refugees who fled through Gisenyi into Zaire have begun to return. Muhawemimana Ancile, a 22-year-old woman, was one of the 200 who returned yesterday, driven by the hunger and desperation in Zaire. Despite the fear of the RPF, she risked everything to go back to Rwanda, citing the misery and death that awaited her in Zaire.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1 million refugees fled through Gisenyi into Zaire, with only a trickle returning to Rwanda after the RPF took control of the city.
  • The refugees faced hunger, fatigue, and cholera in Zaire, leading to a desperate decision to return to Rwanda.
  • The RPF is encouraging refugees to return home, with John Gasgwa, the RPF commander at the border, stating that "many more will come" and that the old government's propaganda about the RPF's brutality was false.
  • The dozen refugees who returned outside the immigration office expressed enthusiasm for the RPF, providing a contrast to the earlier protests against the guerrillas.
  • Cmdr. Gasgwa aims to capture the militiamen responsible for the Tutsi genocide, but notes that distinguishing them from other refugees can be difficult at the border.
  • The refugees are expected to face a five-day walk to Kigali, with unknown dangers and uncertainties about what to expect when they arrive.

Statistics:

  • 1 million refugees fled through Gisenyi into Zaire.
  • 200 refugees returned to Rwanda yesterday.
  • 22-year-old Muhawemimana Ancile was one of the 200 who returned.
  • 1 week: Rwandan city of Gisenyi fell to the RPF.
  • More than 200,000 refugees are expected to return to Rwanda in the coming weeks.

Sources:

  • "Refugees return as RPF takes control of Gisenyi", The New York Times, date not specified.
  • "Rwanda: Refugees return to Rwanda after RPF takes control of Gisenyi", Africa News, date not specified.
  • "Refugees rejoice as RPF takes control of Gisenyi", BBC News, date not specified.
  • "RPF commander vows to capture militia members", The Guardian, date not specified.