121 Congolese repatriated from South Africa welcomed in Kinshasa

The Democratic Republic of Congo's government welcomed 121 citizens who voluntarily returned from South Africa on July 17. The repatriation flight was specially arranged by the Congolese government. This marks the first voluntary repatriation organized by the government from South Africa.

The operation comes in response to xenophobic violence that occurred on May 5-6, 2026, affecting several foreign communities living in South Africa, including the Congolese. The Minister of Foreign Affairs had presented measures to protect and assist Congolese citizens in South Africa on May 8, 2026. The situation escalated, prompting the Prime Minister to establish a government crisis unit and dispatch a mission to South Africa.

The mission aimed to identify affected citizens and organize their voluntary return under safe and dignified conditions. The Congolese Embassy in Pretoria enhanced its consular services, establishing a permanent watch and emergency lines. Diplomatic efforts were made with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Congolese citizens until their repatriation.

Out of 260 validated cases, 121 citizens were cleared for the flight to Kinshasa. The government emphasized its commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens abroad and improving consular protection for the Congolese diaspora.