The Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has officially discharged 214 former members of armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including the FDLR, as part of its 76th reintegration cohort.
The announcement was made as the commission also revealed that an additional 400 individuals are preparing to begin reintegration training under the 77th cohort.
RDRC Chairperson Valerie Nyirahabineza stated that among those demobilized were 178 former combatants, including seven women. She noted that since the program began, the Mutobo Demobilization Center has successfully reintegrated a total of 12,686 individuals back into civilian life.
A significant number of those reintegrated, 162 individuals, come from Rubavu District, particularly from border sectors such as Mudende, Bugeshi, Gisenyi, Nyamyumba, Busasamana, Cyanzarwe, Kanama, and Kanzenze.
Nyirahabineza emphasized that the proximity of these areas to the DRC border has made it easier for armed groups like the FDLR to recruit young people. She called for stronger collaboration among communities and authorities to prevent further recruitment, especially in Mudende Sector, which recorded the highest number of returnees.
She also highlighted an increase in the number of returnees from the DRC, explaining that areas currently under the control of M23 have made it easier for former fighters to return home compared to previous years.
One of the demobilized individuals, Jean Damascene Niyonzima, revealed that while in the armed groups, they collaborated with FARDC forces and even recruited Congolese youth into militias such as FDLR and Nyatura. He acknowledged that ethnic hatred was actively promoted within these groups, particularly targeting Tutsi communities.
“Because of this ideology, removing it requires collective effort. We must encourage others still in the forests to return home,” he said.
Local leaders urged the returnees to embrace unity, reject divisionism, and contribute positively to national development. They also encouraged them to act as ambassadors of peace by convincing others still in armed groups to lay down their weapons and return to Rwanda.
The reintegration program remains a key pillar in Rwanda’s efforts to promote long-term peace, security, and social cohesion.
