Musanze, Rwanda – The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Development and for Africa, Hon. Baroness Jenny Chapman, today visited the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, a facility in Rwanda’s Northern Province that receives and rehabilitates former members of armed groups such as the FDLR and other militias operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Hon. Chapman was welcomed by Hon. Nyirahabineza Valérie, the Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), alongside Commissioners Hon. Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney, Hon. Muhongayire Jacqueline, and Hon. Dancille Nyirarugero.

During her visit, the RDRC officials briefed the Minister on the Commission’s mandate to demobilise, and reintegrate former combatants into civilian life, and on the Rwandan Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that those who repatriate are supported to rebuild their lives — clearly differentiating them from the remnants of FDLR still operating across the border in the DRC.

A Touching Encounter with Former Combatants

Hon. Chapman interacted directly with several ex-combatants currently undergoing pre discharge orientation programme (PDOP) at Mutobo. She listened to their deeply emotional testimonies — stories of trauma, transformation, and renewed hope — all reflecting Rwanda’s remarkable journey from conflict to reconciliation.

In her message inscribed in the Centre’s Golden Book, the UK Minister wrote:

“The work of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration at this Centre is deeply meaningful to the individuals I met today and to Rwanda as a whole. The testimonies of the former combatants will stay within me; their stories of pain, transformation, and hope are powerful reminders of the human capacity for change. This Centre demonstrates the importance of sustained peacebuilding efforts. I hope it will inspire unity and reconciliation for years to come.”

Among those who shared their testimonies was Pastor NIYONZIMA Jean Damascène, a formal political cadre and intelligence officer within the FDLR, who joined the rebel movement in 1998.

He explained that within the group, religious rituals and so-called “prophecies” were used to maintain morale and instil false hope among members — convincing them that they were divinely destined to retake Rwanda.

“They believed the war was God’s mission,” Pastor Niyonzima recalled. “Even when they failed, they claimed it was because some fighters had sinned or were unfaithful. Such manipulation kept many trapped in the movement for years.”

Former fighters who escaped the jungles of the DRC say they were deceived into fighting alongside FARDC and Wazalendo militias. The DRC authorities and FARDC commanders misled them — promising that once M23 was defeated, they would be supported to invade and capture Rwanda, even reaching Kigali.

Another ex-combatant, Nizane Anne Marie, who was discharged in the 69th phase, shared similar reflections, confirming how deep-rooted myths and fear were used to control members and prevent them from returning home.

At the close of the visit, Hon. Nyirahabineza Valérie expressed her gratitude to Minister Chapman for dedicating time to visit Mutobo and witness the progress of Rwanda’s reintegration programmes.

“Your presence here is a strong signal of partnership,” she said. “It reinforces the value of continued international cooperation in peacebuilding and human development.”

^{Photo: UK Minister of State for Africa after interacting with Ex-combatants in Mutobo on 09 September 2025}

The visit underscored the RDRC’s enduring mission — to turn former combatants into agents of peace and progress, while Rwanda continues to champion reconciliation and stability both at home and across the region.