MONUSCO Distances Itself From Rwanda’s Transfer of 39 People to DRC

MONUSCO says it was neither present nor involved when Rwanda returned 39 people to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, contradicting claims surrounding the July 29 operation.

Rwandan authorities transferred 39 people to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on July 29, 2026, through the Grande Barrière border crossing between Gisenyi and Goma.

The individuals had previously been sent to Rwanda through the United Nations mission’s Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Reintegration and Resettlement programme, commonly known as DDRRR.

However, MONUSCO issued a statement the following day distancing itself from their return.

The UN mission confirmed that the 39 individuals had earlier been repatriated to Rwanda through its programme. It stressed, however, that it was not present during their transfer back to the DRC and had no involvement in the operation.

MONUSCO Defends Its Verification Process

MONUSCO said its DDRRR programme supports the voluntary disarmament and repatriation of foreign combatants operating in the DRC, as well as their dependants.

Before anyone is repatriated to Rwanda, the mission said it conducts a detailed, multi-stage verification process to determine eligibility.

The names of those considered eligible are then sent to the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission for further examination and final approval.

MONUSCO said it remains committed to protecting the independence, integrity and transparency of the process.