Kinshasa is currently hosting the second tripartite meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), the Central African Republic (RCA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Running from June 9 to June 12, the summit aims to facilitate the safe and dignified return of thousands of Central African nationals residing in the RDC.
Pierre Atchom, the UNHCR representative in the RDC, highlighted that there are currently 22,604 biometrically registered Central African refugees living primarily within the Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Ubangi, and Bas-Uélé provinces. This figure is compounded by the arrival of 65,000 new asylum seekers in the Zapaï region of Bas-Uélé since May 2025.
Éric Mukandila, secretary of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) and head of the RDC delegation, noted that the voluntary repatriation process was reignited following the pacification of previously conflict-ridden zones and a 2019 trilateral agreement. “This framework was further strengthened by the 2022 Yaoundé Declaration, which emphasizes regional cooperation to provide durable solutions for displaced populations,” Mukandila stated. Since 2019, approximately 40,000 individuals have successfully returned to the RCA under secure conditions.
Addressing the assembly, Mesmin Guenguebe Mbari, advisor to the Central African government, acknowledged that 43% of the refugee population has already returned home. He outlined ambitious plans for the coming year, which include the potential repatriation of 60,000 refugees supported by new development hubs in return areas. Mbari urged participants to engage in frank discussions, emphasizing the need to scientifically evaluate the integration of those who have already returned and to measure the actual effectiveness of assistance programs.