Musanze, Rwanda | 18 April 2026 – A high-level European Union delegation led by Ms Patricia Pilar Llombart Cussac, Managing Director for Africa at the EU External Action Service, together with the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Ms Belén Calvo Uyarra, visited the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre to witness Rwanda’s progress in peacebuilding and reintegration.

The delegation was warmly received by the Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), Ms Valerie Nyirahabineza, alongside the Vice Chairperson, Maj Gen (Rtd) Jacques Nziza. Local leaders, including the Mayor of Musanze District and officials from Busogo and Gataraga Sectors, also joined the visit.

At the centre, EU officials met recently repatriated former FDLR combatants who voluntarily returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through powerful testimonies, the returnees shared their difficult experiences and spoke about their decision to abandon violence and rebuild their lives in Rwanda.

They also warned of the continued presence of extremist ideology within the FDLR and called on the international community to support efforts aimed at ending violence and protecting targeted Tutsi communities in eastern DRC.

The visit offered the delegation firsthand insight into Rwanda’s model of demobilisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, which continues to restore dignity and hope to former combatants while strengthening national and regional security.

In the visitors’ book, Ms Patricia Pilar Llombart Cussac praised the initiative, writing:

“Very moved by the harsh experiences shared by the youth after undergoing very difficult moments. May their dreams come true for the unity and reconciliation of the people of the Great Lakes Region.”

The visit highlighted the growing partnership between Rwanda and the European Union in promoting lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability across the Great Lakes Region.

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