The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has raised concern over the number of ex-combatants returning from neighboring DR Congo who come from the border sectors of Rubavu District. According to Valerie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of the RDRC, many of these ex-combatants come from Busasamana Cyanzarwe, Bugeshi, Rubavu, and Gisenyi sectors. Busasamana alone had 92 young people recruited by DR Congo-based militias, notably the FDLR and Wazalendo groups, according to officials. ALSO READ: Rwanda discharges 106 ex-combatants, launches new reintegration round In a previous intake of 176 ex-combatants who completed their training at the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre, the largest number came from Rubavu District, accounting for over 40.9 per cent, followed by Nyabihu District, 20 per cent. Ex-combatants from Rutsiro District were 11 per cent. “Having so many young people returning from Rubavu, particularly Busasamana, is one of the reasons why we are mobilizing the community, parents, and local authorities to prevent children from joining or crossing the border into the DR Congo without authorization,” Nyirahabineza explained during an interview with journalists on Friday, September 26. ALSO READ: Congolese army jailed me, broke my leg, says Rwandan returnee “Most people spend all day across the border because there is no physical barrier to block them. More than double our previous number of discharged ex-combatants comes from here. And in all recent phases, many of them come from Rubavu, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi — districts bordering DR Congo.” Nyirahabineza stressed that the latest phase of returnees is especially notable for including many children recently recruited into militias in DR Congo, urging vigilance from parents. “We urge parents to remain vigilant, to instill in their children the negative consequences [of joining militias],” added the official. “This should be a recurring message, but local authorities should stay informed about whoever crosses the border and never comes back.” Pacifique Ishimwe, the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs in Rubavu District, told The New Times that they had completed an assessment of unemployed youth who are likely to be tempted to cross into DR Congo hoping for improved livelihoods. “We do not need any other person to die in the Congolese jungle or have a miserable life across the border,” said Ishimwe, adding that ex-combatants should be considered like other Rwandan citizens. Jacque Rucogoza, a 54-year-old resident of Busasamana Sector, highlighted that continuous mobilization is necessary to end militia recruitment in eastern DR Congo. “We have seen cases of children who return from Congo and then go back again,” said Rucogoza. “There should be cooperatives, which bring together the unemployed youth who did not go to school.”
