EASTERN PROVINCE

KAYONZA — Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) wants ex-combatants to be integrated into district administration.

Addressing Kayonza district officials at a consultative workshop recently, David Munyurangabo, an official of RDRC said incorporating former soldiers in local administrative planning would facilitate the process of resettling them into civilian life.

"The mainstreaming process would only be smooth and successful when it is jointly owned by the RDRC, the local authorities and the ex-combatants," Munyurangabo said.

The workshop held at Kayonza district aimed at mobilizing support for ex-combatants. District officials, representatives of ex-combatants, police and army representatives and media representatives attended the event.

Munyurangabo called for commitment of all stake holders in the process of rallying socio-economic support and other services given to ex-combatants towards their re-integration. He observed stake holders needed to reach a shared understanding of the process of reintegration and be committed to it.

Participants acknowledged the need for integrating ex-combatants in the local administration mainstream planning, observing that this would be helpful when RDRC winds up its activities in future. They observed that ex-combatants should not be left out in social-economic developmental activities in their respective cells, sectors and district.

According to Munyurangabo, similar consultative workshops have been organized in all districts across the country.

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