Former members of armed groups repatriated from DR Congo and officially reintegrated into communities on Thursday, June 26, pledged to take an active role in fighting genocide ideology and contributing to national development. On Thursday, over 100 ex-combatants repatriated from DR Congo in February, part of a group that included ‘Brig Gen’ Ezechiel Gakwerere, a former senior figure within the DR Congo-backed FDLR genocidal militia were formally discharged at Mutobo Demobilization Centre, in Musanze District. ALSO READ: FDLR ‘General’ linked to Queen Gicanda murder captured in DR Congo, repatriated Their discharge marked the completion of a three-and-a-half-month reintegration programme, including civic education and psychosocial support, as part of the 74th cohort. Speaking on behalf of the group, ‘Maj’ Gilbert Ndayambaje, a 49-year-old former FDLR member, shed light on their transformation while at Mutobo. He emphasized how the programme instilled in them traditional Rwandan values, particularly the principle of Ndi Umunyarwanda, which encourages citizens to transcend ethnic divisions and embrace a unified national identity. “We will not abandon the traditional values we have regained here,” Ndayambaje stated. “We shall advocate for national unity and work to eliminate genocide ideology, which we lived with, for many years, in DR Congo and saw how destructive it is.” He recounted how, within FDLR, they were indoctrinated with hatred. “In FDLR, all we could be taught about was hating a Tutsi and fighting to exterminate them. But now, we are fully equipped with the values that bind us as Rwandans, and we will fight for this identity.” Ndayambaje criticized the role played by the former genocidal regime’s army [ex-FAR] in leadership positions within FDLR, accusing them of perpetuating hatred and manipulation to retain control over younger combatants for personal gain. He pledged to educate Rwandan youth about the realities of life within armed groups in eastern DR Congo and the dangers of genocide ideology. “We will explain to Rwandan youth, whenever given the opportunity, the hostile conditions we endured in DR Congo, and the consequences of genocide ideology in that region,” he said. “Often, armed group members claim that people who return to Rwanda are coerced, or eliminated. But they must know there is no future wandering in the DR Congo, especially considering Rwanda’s pace of development and unity. I will serve my country as a civilian and respond whenever called up to support the community.” ALSO READ: Ex-FDLR militia fighter speaks out on MONUSCO, FARDC support Among the discharged was ‘Corporal’ Itangishaka Ngabire, 23, who joined the Kinshasa-backed militia group called Wazalendo, in 2018. Initially unaware of their identity and agenda, she is happy to be home and now looks forward to a new life. “I was given a national identity card, and now I am hoping to seek job opportunities and contribute to society. I will strive to conduct myself properly and live peacefully with others,” Ngabire said. ALSO READ: FDLR leaders fed us lies about life in Rwanda – ex-combatant Rebeca Uwajeneza, 21, was misled into traveling to DR Congo in 2019 with the promise of casual employment and a better life. Instead, she was forcibly recruited into FDLR, where she was subjected to violence, coerced into becoming a militia fighter’s wife, and ordered to commit atrocities. “I abandoned my life in Rwanda hoping for better, only to encounter the worst. I lived every day in regret. My last commander killed without hesitation, be it civilians, fellow soldiers, or families of those he disliked, and we were used to carry out those crimes,” she recounted. Now looking ahead to peace and stability, she expressed her resolve: “I will live as a Rwandan citizen who is useful to society and maintain peace with myself and others.” The demobilized group underwent civic education, received mental health support, and were taught basic literacy skills. They are now set to begin vocational training, receive reintegration grants, and benefit from continued community mentorship to ensure long-term reintegration and stability. They are scheduled to begin their vocational training programme before year end. ALSO READ: Minister Mugenzi calls on ex-combatants to embrace unity, resilience Valerie Nyirahabineza, the Chairperson of Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), noted that most of the discharged combatants originated from Wazalendo and had been taken to DR Congo in recent years from border districts including Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyabihu. “I believe they will contribute meaningfully to the communities they are rejoining across the country. They have received adequate education on Rwanda’s history and future vision,” Nyirahabineza said. “We even allowed them to visit their families before starting the programme, and they all returned voluntarily, which speaks to their commitment.” ALSO READ: Kwibohora 30: Ndabaga’s Tumwebaze on role of women ex-combatants in Rwanda’s development The outgoing cohort is now replaced by the 75th intake of 118 people which includes former militia fighters repatriated from DR Cong and former detainees from Rwanda Correctional Services. “Many in this new cohort hold high ranks, they are generals and lieutenant colonels. They will begin their reintegration programme immediately.”
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