MUSANZE, Rwanda – 21 July 2026: Representatives from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Rwanda have pledged to strengthen their collaboration with the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) after witnessing first-hand the remarkable transformation of former combatants at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre.

The delegation visited the Centre on Tuesday, where they were received by the RDRC leadership and taken on a guided tour of the rehabilitation facilities. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with beneficiaries and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's comprehensive approach to rehabilitating and reintegrating former members of armed groups into society.

The most moving moments of the visit came as former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shared deeply personal testimonies about life in the forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Their stories painted a stark picture of years spent in fear, hardship and manipulation under an armed group driven by genocide ideology.

Maj. Gen. (Demob) Félicien Nsanzubukire and Maj. (Demob) Gilbert Ndayambaje, speaking alongside fellow returnees, described how the promises made by the FDLR turned into years of suffering, isolation and hopelessness. They said choosing to return to Rwanda had given them a second chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

"Life in the FDLR brought us nothing but suffering and false promises. Through the support of the Government of Rwanda and RDRC, we have regained our dignity, reunited with our communities and are now contributing to the development of our country," they said.

The former combatants also urged those who remain in the armed groups to abandon violence and return home, assuring them that Rwanda offers rehabilitation, reconciliation and opportunities to begin a new life.

The testimonies left a profound impression on the visiting NGO representatives, who recognised the critical role they can play in complementing RDRC's efforts. They noted that while former combatants undergo successful rehabilitation, many continue to require psychosocial care, trauma healing, skills development and sustainable livelihood support to achieve lasting reintegration.

Speaking on behalf of the participating organisations, Bishop Gashagaza Deo praised the courage displayed by the former combatants in openly sharing their experiences and commended the newly repatriated beneficiaries for choosing peace over conflict.

"Your testimonies are powerful because they reveal the reality behind life in armed groups. By choosing peace, you have become living ambassadors of hope. Continue encouraging those who remain in the forests of eastern DRC to return home and embrace the opportunities that Rwanda offers for rehabilitation and reintegration," he said.

Bishop Gashagaza added that the visit had given the NGO representatives valuable insight into the rehabilitation process at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre and reinforced the importance of working closely with RDRC to support beneficiaries beyond the rehabilitation phase.

"Today's visit has strengthened our understanding of the journey that returnees undertake. It has also reinforced our commitment to building stronger partnerships with RDRC so that together we can provide hope, healing and sustainable opportunities for those rebuilding their lives," he noted.

Closing the visit, RDRC expressed appreciation to the participating NGOs for their continued interest in the Commission's work and their willingness to contribute to the successful reintegration of former combatants.

The visit marked another important step towards expanding partnerships between RDRC and civil society organisations, with a shared commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation and sustainable socio-economic reintegration. By connecting beneficiaries with available services and strengthening collaboration with development partners, the initiative aims to ensure that former combatants receive the long-term support they need to become productive citizens and contribute to Rwanda's continued peace and development.