Boulos, who is touring the Great Lakes region on a diplomatic mission, was warmly welcomed to the facility by Nyirahabineza Valérie, Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), alongside other senior officials.
His visit came just a day after holding high-level talks with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, in his capacity as President Donald Trump's senior advisor.
At Mutobo, Boulos was briefed on Rwanda's inclusive approach to reintegration, which targets former fighters from groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other militias operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Its continued operations and collaboration with the DRC government have fuelled tensions between the two countries for years. Rwanda maintains that the group poses a significant security threat due to its genocidal ideology.
According to RDRC, a highlight of the visit was Boulos' emotional engagement with members of Phase 74â€"former FDLR combatants currently undergoing reintegration.
"Mr. Boulos listened to their powerful testimonies and praised Rwanda's commendable efforts in demobilising and rehabilitating former fighters," the commission said in a statement.
During the visit, Nyirahabineza reaffirmed Rwanda's continued resolve to provide a second chance to those abandoning armed groups. She highlighted the Government's leadership in driving regional stability and healing, stating that peace is possible, with Rwanda leading by example.
Boulos' remarks at Musanze echoed sentiments shared during his meeting with President Kagame on April 8 at Urugwiro Village. The two discussed strengthening U.S.-Rwanda ties and the shared goal of lasting peace and economic growth in the region.
'We are ready to work with Rwanda to find a durable solution to the decades-long conflict in eastern DRC. Peace in this region is key to unlocking its vast potential,' Boulos stated after the meeting.
He added, 'President Kagame committed to this vision of peace, and I can confirm that the United States remains equally committed to helping facilitate a peaceful resolutionâ€"one that ensures secure borders and a prosperous regional economy.'
The visit to Kigali and Musanze comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum across the Great Lakes region to find a solution to the conflict between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels in the east.
Before his visit to Rwanda, Boulos also held talks with Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, William Ruto of Kenya, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda as part of broader U.S. efforts to support peace and stability in DRC.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
