At 72 years old, Nguruka Jafari carries the visible marks of a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and perseverance. A widower and Congolese refugee living at the Busuma settlement site, he has spent years in exile, far from the land he once called home. Yet today, his face shines with something stronger than the struggles of the past: hope.
Since the end of 2025, a deep longing for home had settled in Nguruka’s heart. Like many refugees, he carried memories of his homeland every day, but the separation had become increasingly difficult. Together with his children, he dreamed of returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where their roots, history, and identity remained.
That dream is now becoming a reality. Standing among fellow refugees preparing for voluntary repatriation, Nguruka carefully entrusted his luggage to the AIRD team. To many, these bags may seem ordinary. To him, they hold precious fragments of a life rebuilt in exile and represent the first tangible step toward a new beginning.
“To see my country again is to find my roots,” he says, his eyes fixed on the horizon with quiet determination. At an age when such a journey could easily bring uncertainty and anxiety, Nguruka feels reassured. The meticulous organization of the repatriation process, from logistics and transportation to safety and personal support, has given him confidence and peace of mind. Under AIRD’s coordination, every stage of the journey is carefully managed to ensure that refugees can travel with dignity and security.
The atmosphere at the site is filled with emotion. Smiles, laughter, and joyful conversations ripple through the crowd as families prepare to leave behind years of waiting. For many, this is not simply a relocation; it is the fulfillment of a long-held hope.
For Nguruka and his family, voluntary repatriation represents far more than a return across borders. It is the restoration of dignity, the reconnection with their heritage, and the opportunity to rebuild their future where they truly belong.
As the convoy prepares to depart, Nguruka’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of safe and dignified return processes. Thanks to the dedicated support provided by AIRD, what could have been a daunting transition has become a journey marked by confidence, joy, and renewed hope.
After years of displacement, Nguruka is finally on his way home.
