The capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, is hosting a pivotal three-day tripartite meeting from June 9 to 11, bringing together Congolese officials, Central African authorities, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representatives. The primary focus of this gathering is the voluntary repatriation of over 20,000 Central African refugees currently residing in DRC.

Pierre Atchom, UNHCR Representative in DRC, revealed that 22,604 biometrically registered Central African refugees remain in the country, primarily residing in North-Ubangi, South-Ubangi, and Bas-Uélé provinces. Additionally, 65,000 new Central African asylum seekers arrived in May 2025 at Zapaï in the Ango territory (Bas-Uélé).

Éric Mukandila, Permanent Secretary of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) and head of DRC’s delegation, emphasized that the voluntary repatriation process resumed following the stabilization of previously conflict-affected zones and the signing of a 2019 agreement between DRC, CAR, and UNHCR.

«This agreement was further strengthened by the 2022 Yaoundé Declaration, which promotes a regional approach to finding and implementing sustainable solutions for those displaced by the Central African crisis,» Mukandila stated. He highlighted that 40,000 Central Africans have already safely returned to CAR since 2019, facilitated by UNHCR in collaboration with both governments.

«Given the frustrations and discouragement among potential returnees, a thorough reassessment is essential to identify pathways for safe and dignified returns,» he added.

Mesmin Guenguebe Mbari, CAR’s Territorial Development Advisor and delegation head, acknowledged that 43% of Central Africans who fled to DRC have already returned under this agreement. He outlined CAR’s ambitious plans for 2026, targeting the potential return of nearly 60,000 refugees from various host countries, supported by innovative development hubs in return zones across CAR. Mbari called for pragmatic, frank discussions to scientifically evaluate the realities of those who have already returned, assessing their integration levels within host communities and the tangible impact of the assistance provided.