Today at the Mutobo Demobilisation and Rehabilitation Centre, 63 senior former FDLR combatants are taking part in a seminar examining genocide ideology, its devastating consequences for the region, their role in creating and spreading it, and their responsibility to help eradicate it.

The discussions focus on confronting the past, challenging genocide ideology, and equipping the next generation with the knowledge to reject divisive narratives, resist manipulation, and prevent the recurrence of genocide.

The seminar was opened by Vice Chairperson Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Nziza and Commissioner JMV Gatabazi. Genocide scholar Tom Ndahiro is the guest speaker.

Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Nziza said the seminar provides an important opportunity for former combatants to become responsible citizens following their demobilisation and reintegration into society. He urged them to take responsibility for their past actions and contribute to correcting the wrongs they committed while members of the FDLR.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Maj. Gen. (Demob) Félicien Nsanzubukire acknowledged that they had spent considerable time spreading FDLR genocide ideology and denying the Genocide against the Tutsi. He said the seminar provides an opportunity to educate the younger generation about the genocide ideology they once propagated.

He also pledged to join efforts to combat the denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi and expose the truth about the FDLR’s ideology and agenda, stressing that genocide denial is deeply embedded in the genocide ideology propagated by the FDLR.

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