When Laurence Mujawayezu arrived at Mutobo Demobilisation Center from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, she believed she had come home to die. For years, she had been told that Rwanda was a place where Hutu and Tutsi could never coexist, and that returning meant certain death. Instead, she found acceptance, counselling, and a chance to rebuild her life. Today, the former FDLR combatant is a pastor, mother of five, and former village leader who urges those still living in the jungles of eastern Congo to return home. Mujawayezu shared her testimony on June 12 during a dialogue on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda's journey toward unity and resilience, held at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District. ALSO READ: Over 200 ex-FDLR combatants reintegrated back in society Born in 1984 in Muhororo Sector, Ngororero District, Mujawayezu recalls experiencing discrimination from an early age. “When I was in Primary three, our teachers separated Hutu and Tutsi pupils in class,” she said. “Tutsi children were treated differently. Sometimes, when they tried to answer questions, teachers would dismiss them, saying they should not waste the teacher's time.” During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she witnessed violence in her community. “Our neighbours were Tutsi,” she recounted. “I saw their homes being destroyed, people being chased away and killed. Their cows were slaughtered and taken.” One of the memories that remains in her mind involved her uncle’s wife, who was Tutsi, and their children. “They sought refuge at my grandfather's home, but they were found. They were killed,” she said. Years later, another tragedy would change the course of her own life. In 1997, remnants of genocidal forces known as Abacengezi attacked parts of Rwanda. At the time, Mujawayezu was 13 years old. “They looted homes and forced people to carry the stolen goods,” she recalled. “They gathered us on a hill called Gikangu. There were many people there.” The attackers accused civilians of collaborating with the Rwanda Patriotic Army, referring to them using the derogatory term “Inyenzi” translated as cockroaches. Young girls and women were separated from others. “The older girls were taken into a house,” she said. “We could hear them screaming and pleading not to be violated.” Soon, she and the other girls also became victims. “We were told we would become their wives and would never return to our families,” she said. As the armed group moved through different locations, including Mukura Forest, Gishwati, and Kanama, Mujawayezu and other captives endured continued abuse while also being subjected to military training. Later, they crossed into the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We continued receiving military training while enduring abuse,” she said. Back in Rwanda, she was captive of a senior FDLR combatant known as Hakim. “I was given medication to prevent pregnancy,” she recalled. The relationship, marked by pressure and lack of choice, continued for years. In 2003, after the medication stopped, she became pregnant. Shortly afterwards, Hakim informed her that he had been summoned by General Paul Rwarakabije, who would later return to Rwanda as part of a demobilisation programme. “He left with some guards and never came back. When the guards returned, they were angry and threatened me,” she said. “They looted my home.” Fearing for her life, Mujawayezu sought refuge with a Congolese neighbour. “I asked to be taken back to Rwanda,” she said. “At least, if I were to die, I wanted to die in my own country.” Instead, Rwanda offered her a new beginning. “I arrived at Mutobo believing I would be killed,” she said. “In the FDLR, we had been taught that Hutu and Tutsi could never live together.” But what she witnessed challenged everything she had been told. “When I got here, I saw people living together peacefully. I asked myself how that was possible.” While at Mutobo, she received counselling and psychosocial support. She later gave birth to a son, who is now pursuing higher education with government support. After completing the demobilisation programme, Mujawayezu returned to her community. “My family welcomed me back,” she said. “The local authorities supported me.” Community members later elected her to serve as village leader, a position she held twice. At one point, an RDF soldier expressed interest in marrying her. “I was afraid,” she said. “I thought maybe this was how I would be killed.” Seeking advice, she turned to people she trusted at Mutobo, including then-centre leader Captain Musonera. “He told me that in Rwanda, people marry those they love and that I should not be ashamed of myself.” She accepted the proposal. “Today, we have four children together,” she said. Alongside community service, Mujawayezu pursued theological studies and eventually became a pastor in the Association des Églises Baptistes au Rwanda (AEBR). Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she received after returning home. Her message to those still hiding in the forests of the DR Congo. “What we were taught was a lie,” she said. “Rwanda is safe. I urge them to come back and rebuild their lives.”
