More than 42,000 refugees have been able to voluntarily return home this year in West and Central Africa, bringing the total number of returns since 2021 to more than 272,000. But to ensure this momentum continues, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is launching a new appeal for funds.
The majority of repatriations concern Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR), where approximately 10,000 additional refugees are expected to return by the end of the year.
According to the UNHCR, continued progress will depend directly on obtaining additional funding.
“We are calling for urgent, flexible and multi-year funding to support voluntary returns and reintegration, enabling thousands more families to return home with dignity,” said Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, UNHCR Regional Director for West and Central Africa, speaking from Dakar during a press briefing in Geneva.
Based on planned operations, the agency estimates that a minimum budget of $25 million is needed in 2026 to strengthen voluntary return and reintegration programs. Recent UNHCR surveys also show a strong desire to return among refugees, despite the still fragile conditions.
Approximately 80,000 Central African refugees living in Cameroon and Chad hope to return to their country as soon as basic services and livelihoods are restored.
UNHCR and its partners plan to support the return of 60,000 refugees to the Central African Republic in 2026, as part of a 2024-2028 plan that anticipates up to 300,000 repatriations. This plan is based on the relative stability restored in some areas and improved regional dialogue.
In February, UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement with the governments of Chad and Nigeria to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Nigerian refugees residing in Chad. Discussions are underway for a similar arrangement with Niger.
In Central Africa, the Washington Peace Agreement, concluded in June 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha in July between the DRC and the M23 rebel group, reaffirmed the strictly voluntary nature of returns. UNHCR has already facilitated the repatriation of 5,000 people this year and plans to support the voluntary return of 10,000 Rwandan refugees from the DRC in 2026.
While some returns have taken place in safe and dignified conditions, others remain precarious, reflecting the regional security situation. UNHCR emphasizes that “the successful return of refugees goes far beyond simply crossing a border” and requires sustained investments in reintegration to rebuild lives “in stability and hope.”
“However, the momentum that has been built is seriously compromised by the lack of funding, which could put an end to the planned repatriation and reintegration activities and leave thousands of refugees in a precarious situation, dependent on humanitarian aid,” warns Mr. Gnon-Konde.
The UNHCR also calls for strengthening regional coordination and peace initiatives to ensure “voluntary, safe and sustainable returns” in cooperation with partner governments.
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More than 42,000 refugees have been able to voluntarily return home this year in West and Central Africa, bringing the…
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