The fighters, hailing from Rubavu District, crossed the plain separating Rwanda and the DRC, traveling from their Kibati base in Nyiragongo Territory. They entered Rwanda through Kigezi Village, Kageshi Cell, in Busasamana Sector.
Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper confirmed to IGIHE that the combatants are currently under the care of Rwandan authorities.
Officials are engaging with them to help them understand the development and progress of their home country.
'We, as local leaders, are responsible for welcoming them, providing them with information about their country, and helping them reintegrate before they return to the community. These individuals have been living in another country and involved in combat for some time. We are still educating them,' said Mayor Mulindwa.
The mayor commended their decision to return home peacefully, noting that they did not pose any security threat during their entry into Rwanda.
He also reassured others who wish to follow suit that they will be received in a similar manner.
Upon receiving the news of their surrender, local village leaders informed superiors, who in turn called on security forces to facilitate the fighters' reception.
The combatants handed over three AK-47 rifles and one communication device upon entering Rwanda.
The individuals leave behind comrades still aligned with the Congolese military in their ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group, which continues to capture territories in North Kivu Province.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/three-fdlr-combatants-surrender-themselves-to-rwanda
