Musanze, 30 October 2025 — The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) successfully concluded the 75th phase of the official discharge and reintegration programme at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District. During the ceremony, former combatants — including individuals previously associated with the FDLR — were formally discharged and reintegrated into Rwandan society, marking yet another milestone in the country’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation.

A total of 143 former combatants completed pre-discharge orientation training, preparing them for reintegration into civilian life. In addition, 135 beneficiaries successfully completed vocational skills training at Mutobo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) School. They were provided with start-up toolkits to enable them to apply their newly acquired skills and become economically self-reliant.

RDRC has, for more than two decades, received and assisted returnees from armed groups — particularly those from the FDLR — along with their families. The Commission has reiterated its readiness to welcome any remaining combatants who wish to return home from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), especially in light of recent public announcements by the DRC Government encouraging voluntary repatriation.

Since 2001, 12,602 former combatants have been discharged and reintegrated into their communities. The programme has equipped thousands of beneficiaries with civic education, vocational training and socio-economic support to enable sustainable reintegration and contribute to community development.

As part of its ongoing outreach efforts, the RDRC continues to run a weekly radio programme, “Isange mu Banyu”, broadcast on Radio Rwanda and audible across eastern DRC. The programme features testimonies from repatriated former combatants and provides reliable information to those still in the bush regarding the safe and dignified reintegration opportunities available in Rwanda. The platform has proved to be a powerful tool in encouraging voluntary return, promoting unity and reconciliation, and countering misinformation.

RDRC remains committed to supporting Rwanda’s efforts in fostering peace, security and social cohesion through non-military approaches, reinforcing national unity and strengthening community resilience.