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620 Congolese refugees relocated from Kigeme camp to Mahama to ensure their protection and improve their living conditions
On 3rd November 2020, a second group of 620 Congolese refugees who were living in Kigeme refugee camp located in Nyamagabe District were relocated to Mahama refugee camp located in Kirehe District, bringing in total 959 Congolese refugees relocated and the exercise will continue.
The relocation is in line with protecting and improving living conditions of refugees as well as mitigating environmental degradation in and around refugee camps.
The Congolese refugees who had already resettled in Mahama camp testified to experience an improved protection and living conditions.
“The government of Rwanda valued our live conditions. We were living in dangerous area close to ravines that could put our life at risk anytime and now that we have moved to this safe area in Mahama camp, we are very happy.” Said Annonciata Nzamukosha, one of the relocated Congolese refugees.
Burundian refugees who live in Mahama camp welcomed relocated Congolese refugees.
“They are good neighbors, we welcomed them when they arrived and started sharing what we have. We take time and talk as our mother language are very similar, greet each other in the morning and guide them in camp where services are delivered from, we are one!” Said Murerwa Leoncie, one of Burundian refugees living in Mahama camp since 2015.
On 19th June and 6th July 2020, The Hon. Minister in charge of Emergency Management and Hon. Minister of Environment visited Gihembe and Kigeme camps respectively to assess the issues related to environment degradation in and around the camps and therefore, they recommended to conduct a thorough assessment on that issue and propose solutions.
Furthermore, a joint assessment was conducted by technical staff from MINEMA, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Housing Authority, Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority, Rwanda Water Resources Board, UNHCR and Districts hosting refugees. Among the proposed mitigation measures include relocation of refugees to safe areas and moreover protection and rehabilitation of environment in and around refugee camps.
The Government of Rwanda in collaboration with different stakeholders ensures not only protection and assistance to refugees but also give paramount importance on environment protection and rehabilitation.
Rwanda hosts over 146,000 refugee including over 76,000 Congolese hosted in 5 refugee camps (Kiziba, Gihembe, Nyabiheke, Kigeme and Mugomba).
620 Congolese refugees relocated from Kigeme camp to Mahama to ensure their protection and improve their living conditions
On 3rd November 2020, a second group of 620 Congolese refugees who were living in Kigeme refugee camp located in Nyamagabe District were relocated to Mahama refugee camp located in Kirehe District, bringing in total 959 Congolese refugees relocated and the exercise will continue.
The relocation is in line with protecting and improving living conditions of refugees as well as mitigating environmental degradation in and around refugee camps.
The Congolese refugees who had already resettled in Mahama camp testified to experience an improved protection and living conditions.
“The government of Rwanda valued our live conditions. We were living in dangerous area close to ravines that could put our life at risk anytime and now that we have moved to this safe area in Mahama camp, we are very happy.” Said Annonciata Nzamukosha, one of the relocated Congolese refugees.
Burundian refugees who live in Mahama camp welcomed relocated Congolese refugees.
“They are good neighbors, we welcomed them when they arrived and started sharing what we have. We take time and talk as our mother language are very similar, greet each other in the morning and guide them in camp where services are delivered from, we are one!” Said Murerwa Leoncie, one of Burundian refugees living in Mahama camp since 2015.
On 19th June and 6th July 2020, The Hon. Minister in charge of Emergency Management and Hon. Minister of Environment visited Gihembe and Kigeme camps respectively to assess the issues related to environment degradation in and around the camps and therefore, they recommended to conduct a thorough assessment on that issue and propose solutions.
Furthermore, a joint assessment was conducted by technical staff from MINEMA, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Housing Authority, Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority, Rwanda Water Resources Board, UNHCR and Districts hosting refugees. Among the proposed mitigation measures include relocation of refugees to safe areas and moreover protection and rehabilitation of environment in and around refugee camps.
The Government of Rwanda in collaboration with different stakeholders ensures not only protection and assistance to refugees but also give paramount importance on environment protection and rehabilitation.
Rwanda hosts over 146,000 refugee including over 76,000 Congolese hosted in 5 refugee camps (Kiziba, Gihembe, Nyabiheke, Kigeme and Mugomba).