Today, November 6, 2025 

The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has officially launched the 76th Phase of the Pre-Discharge Orientation Programme at the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District. A total of 156 former combatants from the FDLR and affiliated militias, who voluntarily repatriated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have commenced a three-month training programme aimed at supporting their transition into civilian life.

This Phase follows the discharge on 30 October 2025 of 143 former combatants under Phase 75, who were successfully reintegrated into their communities after completing the same programme. The continuous return of ex-combatants reflects the growing success of Rwanda’s sensitisation efforts, supported by testimonies from those who repatriated earlier and by families encouraging their loved ones to come home.

The new group includes individuals who separated themselves from the FDLR and affiliated militias operating in eastern DRC. All returned voluntarily.

Addressing the participants, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacques Nziza, Vice President of RDRC, urged them to seize this opportunity to rebuild their future:

“You have chosen the right path by coming home. Leave behind harmful ideologies that once defined your past. What matters now is the future you are about to build—for yourselves, your families, and your country.” — Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jacques Nziza, Vice President, RDRC.

He emphasised discipline, personal responsibility, and openness to learning throughout the training period, which covers mindset transformation, vocational skills, civic education, and socioeconomic empowerment.

Senior RDRC officials—including Commissioner Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Commissioner Dancille Nyirarugero, and Commissioner Jacqueline Muhongayire—joined the Vice President in engaging the returnees during group discussions. The sessions were designed to help them understand the opportunities available and to encourage them to make the most of the programme.

Through its mandate, the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission remains committed to welcoming and supporting all who voluntarily choose peace, as reaffirmed in a recent official communiqué during the reintegration of the previous cohort.