In a significant visit on 29th February 2024, Members of Parliament of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) toured the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre situated in Musanze district of Rwanda's Northern Province. The purpose of their visit was to gain deeper insights into the demobilisation and reintegration processes of former armed group members who return to Rwanda from the the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The delegation was warmly welcomed at Mutobo by Hon. Valerie NYIRAHABINEZA, Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), along with the Commission's Commissioners. They provided a comprehensive overview of the RDRC's methods for reintegrating ex-combatants.

At Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, ex-combatants of Rwandan origin who have repatriated from DR Congo undergo extensive training courses covering the country's history and government programmes. The ICGLR guests also had the opportunity to interact with RDRC beneficiaries at the Centre, currently undergoing Pre-discharge Orientation Programme of phase 71.

During the visit, Hon. NYIRAHABINEZA expressed gratitude to ICGLR Members for selecting Mutobo as a learning centre to understand Rwanda's contributions to unity, resilience, and peace promotion within the Great Lakes region. She emphasised RDRC's commitment to peace-building and fostering unity and resilience in Rwanda.

In discussions with beneficiaries, the ICGLR delegation heard powerful testimonies from ex-combatants who voluntarily returned from DR Congo. Retd. SSG NIZANE Anne Marie, a former FDLR member who spent nearly 26 years with the group, urged those still in the jungles to come home to Rwanda.

Retd. Col. Nshimiyimana Augustin, known as Bora, shared his experience as an FDLR member in eastern DR Congo, highlighting his voluntary return to Rwanda under President Kagame's leadership.

Vice President for Peace and Security Retd. Brig. Gen. Morgan Sitwala, representing the Forum of the Great Lakes Region at ICGLR, praised the efforts at the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre and thanked the Government of Rwanda for this commendable initiative.

Mutobo Demobilisation Centre has welcomed delegations from the Republic of Mali, South Sudan, and ICGLR Fact Finding Mission Members since the beginning of 2024, indicating its growing recognition and importance in regional peace efforts.

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