Statistical Overview of Phase 76 Discharge – RDRC
On 31 March 2026, the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) officially discharged 214 former members of armed groups at the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre (DC), following their successful completion of the reintegration preparation programme under Phase 76.
These beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive training programme lasting five months, as the first arrivals were received from late September 2025.
In total, the discharged beneficiaries are accompanied by their 178 family members, bringing the overall number of individuals concerned to 392.
Breakdown of the Figures
The composition of the beneficiaries is as follows:
Return to Communities
Following their discharge, on 1 April 2026, the beneficiaries were accompanied by RDRC staff back to their home districts across 24 districts nationwide, covering all four provinces and the City of Kigali.
The Western Province receives the largest share, with 287 individuals, representing 72.2% of the total.
Within this province, Rubavu District records the highest number, with 162 individuals (56%), including:
Other districts in the Western Province include:
All seven districts of the Western Province will receive returning beneficiaries.
At the national level, the distribution is as follows:
However, six districts—Gakenke, Gicumbi, Ruhango, Gisagara, Nyagatare, and Ngoma—will not receive any beneficiaries in this phase.
Geographical Patterns and Regional Dynamics
The data clearly shows that districts and sectors bordering or located near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) receive the highest number of returnees, particularly those previously associated with the FDLR.
This trend is especially visible in the Western and Northern Provinces, where proximity to the Rubavu border facilitates cross-border movement. Districts such as Rulindo, Musanze, and Burera also reflect this dynamic due to their relative accessibility to the border.
In the Southern Province, proximity to Burundi also plays a role. Burundi has historically maintained relations with the DRC, and reports have indicated that some leaders of armed groups have operated from there. The continued mention of collaboration between elements in the DRC, FDLR, and Burundi further explains the patterns observed.
By contrast, the Eastern Province consistently records lower numbers, largely because it does not share a border with the DRC.
Focus on Rubavu District
Rubavu District alone accounts for 72.2% (287 out of 392) of the total returnees in the Western Province context, with 162 individuals set to return to 10 out of the district’s 12 sectors, including:
Bugeshi, Mudende, Rubavu, Gisenyi, Nyamyumba, Busasamana, Cyanzarwe, Kanama, Nyange, and Kanzenze.
Among these:
Notably, Mudende Sector has the highest number of former combatants in the district, with:
Mudende has consistently received a significant number of returnees across multiple phases.
Implications and Preventive Measures
These trends highlight an important concern: border sectors near the DRC remain vulnerable to recruitment into armed groups, particularly among youth.
Evidence indicates that recruitment is often carried out through individuals known as CAAGs (Civilians Associated with Armed Groups) or political cadres, who use propaganda and false promises—such as employment opportunities—to lure young people into joining armed groups like the FDLR and its affiliates.
In response, RDRC, in collaboration with local authorities, has intensified community engagement and sensitisation campaigns in border districts and sectors. These efforts aim to raise awareness among families and communities to prevent recruitment and protect vulnerable youth.
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