African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS), has successfully concluded a four-day Humanitarian and Free Movement of Persons (FMP) Assessment Mission to the Republic of Rwanda, undertaken from 08 to 11 June 2026. The mission delivered a tangible expression of African solidarity through a USD 500,000 solidarity gesture fund to the Government of Rwanda, alongside essential non-food item (mattresses) valued at USD 11,500. These items were distributed to vulnerable Congolese refugees at Nyabiheke Refugee Camp in Gatsibo District, which currently hosts 12,134 refugees, as well as to disaster-affected IDP households in Rubavu District.

The mission was led by H.E. Amb. Indrajeet Babooa, Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to Ethiopia, Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, following a decision by the PRC Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Migration during its plenary session on 04 March 2026. The mission was undertaken in line with the principles of the PRC Sub-Committee to stand in solidarity with Member States affected by humanitarian crises.

The assessment was conducted against the backdrop of multiple humanitarian pressures, including the hosting of over 130,000 refugees primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the devastating impacts of climate-induced disasters. The delegation visited the Gashora Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) Centre, where 388 African refugees are currently receiving protection and assistance.  

The delegation also assessed the Gatuna One Stop Border Post (OSBP), which processes over 3,000 travellers and 150 trucks daily, with passenger clearance times averaging 30 seconds. The mission noted the good practices in place including the facilitation of movement of people across the border. Rwanda is among the four AU Member States that have ratified the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, underscoring its role in advancing the continental free movement of persons agenda.

The mission reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to strengthening humanitarian solidarity, advancing African-led solutions, and supporting Member States affected by humanitarian crises

For more information, please contact
Ms. Rita AMukhobu, Head of Division, Humanitarian Affairs and Free Movement of Persons | Email: AmukhobuR@africanunion.org | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development

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Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: Media@africanunion.org   
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