A total of 441 individuals comprising 114 families were assisted to voluntarily repatriate to the DRC in January. This brings the total number of refugees repatriated to 10,553 individuals in 2,836 families since the second phase of the voluntary repatriation programme started on 18 July 2022. 157 individuals departed under resettlement during the month of January USA: (35) and Finland (122). Eight cases comprising 26 individuals were submitted for resettlement consideration to the USA (19), Finland (7). A total of 513 people we serve (PWS) accessed Covid-19 testing services in the three refugee settlements, bringing the cumulative figure to 13,552. The number of positive cases recorded during the reporting month was 10 people we serve (PWS).

SOMALIA – Highly Indebted Poor Countries Completion Point: On 30/03, the WB Country team in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance of the Federal Government of Somalia hosted the Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) to assess challenges to project implementation and to find ways to accelerate delivery of critical services to the Somali people. The country is moving towards the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Completion Point. Over the next few months, the WB will be working with the government and the IMF to support the country to reach HIPC completion point which once achieved, will be a milestone for Somalia that will help open up new financing opportunities for the country.