LUBUMBASHI, DRC, Aug. 28 -- Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have agreed to begin the process of voluntarily repatriating DRC refugees in Tanzania who are ready to return home.

The agreement was reached during the Tripartite Commission Meeting held in Lubumbashi, where Tanzanias Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud, said the repatriation exercise would be conducted with full respect for the refugees safety, dignity and voluntary choice.

Mr Mahmoud said Tanzania would not encourage, pressure or persuade refugees to return to DRC, stressing that those choosing to go back must do so freely and through an orderly process.

“Tanzania will ...