A delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) today visited Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District as part of a week-long study tour in Rwanda aimed at examining the complex relationship between ethnic armed groups, competition over natural resources, and the security threats facing African nations.

The delegation was received by the leadership of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), led by Chairperson Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, alongside Vice Chairperson Maj Gen Jacques Nziza and Commissioner Dancille Nyirarugero.

During the visit, members of the delegation were briefed on Rwanda’s internationally recognised approach to receiving, rehabilitating, and reintegrating former members of armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly members of the FDLR militia and affiliated splinter groups who voluntarily lay down their arms and return home.

At Mutobo, the Nigerian delegation engaged directly with former combatants currently undergoing rehabilitation under Phase 77, the latest group of individuals who recently disengaged from the FDLR. The visitors also listened to compelling testimonies from former fighters who shared first-hand accounts of life inside armed groups and their transition towards peaceful civilian life.

Among those who shared their experiences were demobilised beneficiaries Nshimiyimana Augustin and Ndayambaje Gilbert, both former members of the FDLR, who offered a sobering account of the realities inside the militia operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They described how the armed group worked closely with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in destabilising communities in the region and sustaining insecurity through organised operational support.

Reflecting on their experiences, the former combatants explained that life within the armed groups was defined by fear, manipulation and false promises.

“Life inside the armed group was built on fear, manipulation and false promises. Many of us believed we were fighting for a cause, but over time we realised we were simply being used to sustain instability and conflict,” they told the visiting delegation.

They further noted that continued insecurity in the region is sustained by broader political interests that benefit from keeping conflict alive.

“The conflict continues because powerful networks benefit from maintaining instability. For many fighters, the truth only becomes clear after years of suffering inside the system,” they explained.

Another beneficiary, Mujawayesu Laurence, shared an emotional testimony describing the fear many combatants lived with before deciding to return to Rwanda. She explained that for years, members of the armed groups were subjected to propaganda aimed at convincing them that returning home would lead to persecution or death.

“For years, we were told that returning to Rwanda meant certain death. I lived with that fear until the day I came back and discovered that everything we had been told was a lie,” she said.

Contrary to those beliefs, she explained that upon arrival in Rwanda, returnees were welcomed with dignity and provided with comprehensive support designed to help them rebuild their lives.

“Instead of rejection, I found compassion. Instead of punishment, I was welcomed, supported and given a second chance to rebuild my life,” she added.

Former combatants currently undergoing rehabilitation at Mutobo also expressed gratitude for the support they continue to receive through the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission, emphasising that the programme has restored their confidence and hope for the future.

“Mutobo gave us something we had lost for many years — hope. Here we are learning that our future does not have to be defined by our past,” some of the beneficiaries said.

Speaking during the visit, RDRC Chairperson Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza thanked the Nigerian delegation for choosing to visit Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, highlighting the importance of sharing African-led solutions to peacebuilding and security challenges.

She emphasised that Rwanda’s reintegration model reflects the country’s belief that lasting peace goes beyond ending conflict and requires restoring dignity and rebuilding trust among affected populations.

“Rwanda’s journey has taught us that lasting peace is not built through force alone, but through restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and giving those who once carried arms a genuine opportunity to become active contributors to society again,” she said.

Hon. Nyirahabineza further underscored the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in strengthening peacebuilding efforts across the continent.

“We value opportunities like this because peacebuilding is a shared African responsibility, and exchanging experiences strengthens our collective capacity to address insecurity across the continent,” she added.

At the conclusion of the visit, Ibrahim Halimah Zanna, Head of Delegation representing the Commandant of Nigeria’s National Institute for Security Studies, commended Rwanda for what he described as an exemplary model of rehabilitation and reintegration that offers valuable lessons to countries facing similar security challenges.

Having toured the facility and interacted with former combatants, he praised Rwanda’s approach in restoring dignity and transforming the lives of individuals who once participated in armed conflict.

“What we have witnessed in Rwanda is truly remarkable. This is not simply a demobilisation centre; it is a living example of how a nation can transform conflict into hope and rebuild lives with dignity and purpose,” he said.

He further observed that Rwanda’s experience demonstrates that sustainable peace cannot rely solely on military responses, but requires long-term investment in human rehabilitation and reconciliation.

“Rwanda has demonstrated to Africa that security solutions do not end on the battlefield. True victory comes when former fighters are successfully reintegrated and empowered to contribute positively to their country’s future,” he noted.

The visit once again highlighted Rwanda’s growing recognition as one of Africa’s leading examples of how effective demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes can contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, national reconciliation, and long-term regional stability.

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