Hermann Twilingiyimana is almost 40 years old and has lived half of these years away from his native country. He was born in Rwanda, where he went to primary school and high school, then he chose to go to university in Bulgaria. However after graduation he was not able to go back to his home country, which was crossing a disastruous situation at the beginning of the 1990's.

So he chose to ask for help from neighbours. That is how he got to Romania where he applied for asylum. That was about 8 years ago...

Rep.: Why have you chosen Romania?
Hermann Twilingiyimana (H.T.): I thought at that time that life was more difficult, less sociable in Bulgaria, although I had lived there for 6 years and whenever I go there I feel like at home. But at that time it was more complicated... I headed to Romania where I was accepted and settled here.

Rep.: What have you studied in Bulgaria?
H.T.: I am of Bulgarian make (he laughs) because there I graduated from the forestry and environmental protection university.

Rep.: And have you found work in Romania in the area you specialised in?
H.T.: I was one of those who was granted asylum in Romania. It was difficult to get here, but God helped me and I was granted protection. I haven't found a job in my field, I make a living now from something else. I work on my own, I have my own consultancy company and I am in a good train.

Rep.: So, Romanians have accepted you...
H.T.: I find it better that at our neighbours, it is acceptable. I also travelled abroad for several years but I haven't found more than I can find here. I returned to Romania and now I call this home.

Rep.: Have you thought to bring your family here?
H.T.: I don't know... My mother, father and brothers are in Rwanda. I keep in touch with them but it is difficult. A foreign country is a foreign country.

Rep.: As for citizenship, where will you apply, in Romania or in Bulgaria?
H.T.: Of course in Romania. Now I meet the conditions but I need to learn the language better. I learned it on the street, I have not attended any special course. It is easier than Bulgarian, but there I attended a preparatory year. To become Romanian I need to speak the language well and to find a job.

Rep.: Have you felt discriminated in Romania?
H.T.: Yes, and wherever I go, even in my own country I will feel discriminated. Wherever there are humans and there is also stupidity, there will be discrimination. What I noticed here: a lack of information, even among Romanians in the public administration. There should be a better communication between institutions and organizations, between ministers and associations.

Rep.: What would you say to your friends in Rwanda about Romania?
H.T.: I lived in Bulgaria as a student, I was abroad, but if I have never found anything better than Romania so far, you can draw the conclusion yourself!