Members of the United States Congress on Friday, January 30, visited Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District, where they met with former combatants of the DR Congo-backed FDLR, a militia founded by remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the visit, the congressional delegation was briefed on Rwanda’s demobilisation and reintegration programme and engaged directly with the former combatants who voluntarily repatriated.

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According to Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, the delegation heard testimonies from recent returnees who chose peace over violence and were briefed on Rwanda’s commitment to security and stability in the Great Lakes Region.

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Maj Gen (Rtd) Jacques Nziza, Vice Chairperson of the RDRC, provided an overview of Rwanda’s reintegration model, outlining the processes designed to support former members of armed groups in abandoning violence and rebuilding their lives within society.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Congressman Nick Hawatmeh commended Rwanda’s efforts to promote unity and social cohesion, underscoring the significance of the work being carried out at Mutobo.

"We appreciate the incredibly important work to ensure Rwandans stay unified and together,” Hawatmeh said. "The work you do is extremely important.”

He further expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to the delegation and emphasised their interest in deepening bilateral ties, noting that they look forward to a stronger partnership between the United States and Rwanda.

For more than two decades, over 12,000 former members of armed groups have passed through the Mutobo centre before they were reintegrated into the society.