Valerie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration (RDRC), confirmed to IGIHE that among those repatriated were five children.
"Today, we received 22 individuals from forests, including 15 former soldiers and seven civilians connected to armed groups," she said.
Nyirahabineza further explained that upon arrival in Rwanda, these former fighters are taken to Mutobo, where they undergo training to prepare them for reintegration into civilian life.
"When they return voluntarily, they undergo training for three to four months before being discharged and reintegrated into society. We assess them together with various partners, ensuring that their behavior has changed before they are reintegrated with their families."
She added that the training program is designed to help former fighters shed the harmful ideologies they were taught in the forests of the DRC, particularly the genocidal ideologies.
In addition to the training, the returnees are provided with various forms of assistance, including medical care, especially for those suffering from trauma-related issues, as many of them face such challenges upon their return.
"Besides the training, they receive extensive support, including medical care, housing, food, clothing, and other basic supplies. Women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities are given additional assistance based on their specific needs," she noted.
Nyirahabineza also took the opportunity to encourage those who have already returned to Rwanda to urge their comrades still in the forests to lay down their arms and come home, as the country is ready to welcome them.
From January to October 2025, MONUSCO repatriated 54 Rwandan fighters, mostly from the FDLR, along with 44 of their family members.
According to figures from the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration, since 2001, Rwanda has successfully reintegrated 12,602 former fighters from armed groups operating in eastern DRC, with a total of 75 repatriation cycles carried out to date.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-receives-15-fdlr-combatants
