MUSANZE – the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) on Friday, March 28, 2025, officially discharged 47 former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed rebel group that had been operating in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This marks the phase 73 of ex-combatants to be reintegrated into civilian life under Rwanda’s demobilization program.

The ceremony, held at the Mutobo Demobilization Center, was presided over by Minister of Local Government Dr. MUGENZI Patrice, accompanied by Hon. NYIRAHABINEZA Valerie, Chairperson of the RDRC. Also in attendance were commissioners of the RDRC, the Mayor of Musanze District, security officials, and other key stakeholders.

Addressing the newly discharged ex-combatants, Minister Mugenzi commended their decision to abandon rebellion and return home. “By laying down your weapons and coming back to your country, you have taken a courageous step toward contributing to Rwanda’s development.”

Mugenzi reminded them that their return symbolizes a break from past ideologies and an opportunity to be part of Rwanda’s progress. “You were once hostages of those who orchestrated the Genocide against the Tutsi, manipulated to believe that Rwandans are divided. But now that you are here, you can see for yourselves—we are one people,” he emphasized. He urged them to use the skills they acquired at the center to become productive members of society. “I ask you to resist any calls to destabilize Rwanda. Honor the commitment you have made to your country.”

Speaking on behalf of his fellow returnees, Hakizimana Pierre Céléstin expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government for welcoming them with dignity and equipping them with essential skills. “Many of us could neither read nor write when we arrived, but we have been given education and vocational training. Now, we are ready to contribute to building our nation,” he said. He further pledged to encourage those still in the DRC jungles to return home and be part of the country’s progress.

Hon. Nyirahabineza Valerie, RDRC Chairperson, highlighted the seamless reintegration process for the discharged ex-combatants. “These individuals voluntarily returned, and throughout their training, they showed great commitment. Many of them realized, after speaking with those who repatriated before them, that they had wasted time in the jungles,” she said. “Today, they leave the center with full rights and opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

As part of their reintegration package, the discharged ex-combatants received national identity cards and certificates confirming their completion of the first phase of training. Meanwhile, the next phase, the 74th, has already begun training, comprising 79 individuals, many from the FDLR armed militia.

Photos

^{Minister of Local Government Dr. MUGENZI Patrice addressing the participants during the official discharge for armed groups members, phase 73 and the opening of phase 74.}  

^{The ceremony, held at the Mutobo Demobilization Center, was presided over by Minister of Local Government Dr. MUGENZI Patrice, accompanied by Hon. NYIRAHABINEZA Valerie, Chairperson of the RDRC, with Commissioners of the RDRC, the Mayor of Musanze District, Security Officials.}

^{Demobilised individuals are issued with national identity cards, certificates of training, demobilisation cards, and other key documents. In this picture, Hon. NYIRAHABINEZA Valerie, Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), was presenting a beneficiary with their national ID and a certificate confirming completion of entrepreneurship training.}

^{The official launch of Phase 74 has also taken place, comprising individuals who repatriated after severing ties with the FDLR militia.} 

^{It was a truly captivating ceremony, graced by a traditional Rwandan dance performance delivered by beneficiaries of the RDRC at the Mutobo Centre. Through their talents—nurtured and developed within the centre—they entertained and impressed the invited guests.}

By RDRC

Listen to RDRC Isange Mu Banyu Radio Programme every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM on Radio Rwanda, key insights on RDRC activities, including messages of reintegrated ex-combatants, messages from those who repatriated from the armed groups of the DRC, ETC. You can give your comments during the programme.