Rwanda Hosts IGAD Regional Learning Exchange on Refugee Management and Durable Solutions

From 18–22 May 2026, Rwanda hosted a delegation of 45 representatives from Member States of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for a five-day regional learning exchange visit focused on refugee management, protection, and durable solutions. The visit aimed to strengthen peer learning and regional cooperation on progressive refugee inclusion and sustainable responses to forced displacement across the region. 

The delegation was officially welcomed by PS NGOGA Aristarque, together with the Representative of the UNHCR in Rwanda. In his opening remarks, the PS commended IGAD for selecting Rwanda as a peer learning destination, noting that the visit reflects growing recognition of Rwanda’s approach to refugee protection, socio-economic inclusion, and regional solidarity.

He highlighted Rwanda’s progress in refugee governance, registration and documentation, socio-economic inclusion, access to education and healthcare, coordination mechanisms, return and reintegration, as well as the integration of refugees into national systems and development programs.

“Through this visit, we look forward to sharing our experiences on policy evolution, governance structures, innovative programming, and coordination mechanisms contributing to stronger collaboration, fostering innovation, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of refugees, returnees, and host communities across the region,” noted PS NGOGA Aristarque.

During the visit, delegates participated in technical discussions with MINEMA, the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), UNHCR, district authorities, and implementing partners on refugee governance, asylum procedures, protection services, documentation systems, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social cohesion between refugees and host communities. Discussions also focused on how Rwanda is adapting to reductions in humanitarian funding while maintaining refugee protection and assistance services. 

The delegation later visited Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District and the Emergency Transit Mechanism Gashora in Bugesera District, where they engaged with implementing partners, camp management teams, and refugee representatives to gain deeper understanding of Rwanda’s refugee protection and management systems. The delegation toured livelihood, education, and healthcare facilities, and commended the Government of Rwanda and partners for promoting refugee self-reliance, dignity, and inclusion while advancing durable solutions for displaced populations.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Charles Obila; Coordinator of the IGAD Support Platform for Forced Displacement under IGAD, commended Rwanda for its progressive and inclusive refugee management model, noting that the visit offered valuable lessons for the region.

 “Rwanda’s approach demonstrates that refugees can be integrated into national systems and empowered to contribute positively to host communities and national development. The experiences shared during this visit provide important lessons for IGAD Member States as we continue advancing regional solutions for forced displacement,” he noted.

The IGAD delegation expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda and UNHCR for their continued commitment to refugee protection and durable solutions, reaffirming the importance of regional collaboration and peer learning in addressing displacement challenges across Africa.