DRC Repatriates 121 Congolese Nationals from South Africa Following Xenophobic Violence
Kinshasa has welcomed the first group of Congolese nationals who voluntarily returned from South Africa. Coordinated by the Congolese government, the operation follows the xenophobic violence that occurred in May 2026 and marks the beginning of an assistance program aimed at supporting affected citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Francophonie, and the Congolese Diaspora announced on July 18 the arrival in Kinshasa of 121 Congolese nationals, including women and children, aboard the first voluntary repatriation flight chartered by the government from South Africa.
This initiative follows the xenophobic attacks of May 5 and 6, 2026, which affected several foreign communities, including the Congolese community. From the onset of the crisis, the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Pretoria strengthened its consular response by establishing continuous monitoring, emergency hotlines, community support networks, and diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to protect and assist Congolese citizens.
A Coordinated Government Response
The government recalled that, as early as May 8, 2026, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, presented before the National Assembly the measures undertaken to assist Congolese nationals living in South Africa.
The situation was subsequently reviewed during a Council of Ministers meeting, leading to the establishment of a government crisis response unit and the deployment of a mission to South Africa to organize the voluntary repatriation process.
To date, 260 applications have been approved under this operation. Following individual verification procedures, 121 people were authorized to board the first flight to Kinshasa.
Reception and Reintegration
Upon their arrival at N’Djili International Airport, the returnees were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, along with the relevant government services.
A comprehensive reception and support mechanism has been put in place to facilitate their reintegration while ensuring respect for their dignity.
Through this operation, the Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Congolese citizens wherever they may be, while commending the efforts of the DRC Embassy in Pretoria, the various government institutions involved, and the cooperation of the South African authorities, which made this first phase of the voluntary repatriation operation possible.
Héritier Maila
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