President Paul Kagame on Thursday evening, August 28, 2025, hosted Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at Urugwiro Village for discussions centered on deepening cooperation between Rwanda and the UN refugee agency.
The talks reaffirmed Rwanda’s pivotal role in advancing refugee protection, fostering integration, and pursuing long-term solutions to displacement challenges.
The meeting came as part of Grandi’s regional mission to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he sought engagement with national leaders on the complex issues surrounding forced migration.
In a message shared ahead of his trip, Grandi noted his confidence that ongoing political processes in the region could pave the way for ending violence against civilians and addressing the root causes of displacement.
Rwanda’s engagement has gained new momentum following the June 27, 2025 peace agreement signed with the DRC, under the facilitation of the United States. One of the key priorities emerging from that pact has been the voluntary repatriation of refugees from both countries.
On July 24, delegations from Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they agreed on measures to enable safe and voluntary return, support reintegration, and assist refugees in rebuilding their lives.
Building on those commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees on August 25 who had been held hostage by the FDLR terrorist group. These individuals were handed over to the Government of Rwanda, while more than 100 others await their return.
Grandi’s visit to Rwanda is expected to further accelerate progress on refugee matters, particularly in addressing the obstacles that continue to prevent safe and dignified repatriation.
