A total of 416 former members of armed groups based in DR Congo, civilians associated to the militias and their dependents were discharged from Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District.

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The cohort was discharged on Thursday, September 10, at a ceremony attended by government officials, representatives of security organs and members of the diplomatic corps.

The group comprised 130 former members of FDLR militia and other armed groups based in DR Congo, as well as 79 civilians, who had closely collaborated with armed groups and 207 of their dependents. 143 of them are children of school age ready to begin or resume their education at nursery and primary school levels.

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Maurice Mugabowagahunde, the Governor of the Northern Province, urged those discharged to uphold unity and resilience and contribute to the progress made in the country as they rebuild their lives.

"I strongly urge you not to betray the principle of unity and resilience among Rwandans,” Mugabowagahunde said.

He called on them to support programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening unity and advancing development, rather than hinder the progress the country has made.

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The discharge ceremony was also attended by more than 20 former FDLR members, who were discharged in previous cohorts. They included two Major Generals and three Brigadier Generals.

Jean-Maurice Uwera, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, described the discharge as an opportunity for the former combatants to begin a new chapter after years away from their families.

"This is a significant day, a day of reintegration into normal life within Rwandan society following your official welcome back to your country; it is a day for a fresh start,” Uwera said.

He acknowledged that some had spent decades separated from their families, while others were born outside the country or had endured traumatic experiences.

"Your past is part of your history, but it does not have to define your entire future,” Uwera said.

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He encouraged them to focus on rebuilding their families and contributing to the country, pointing to opportunities in agriculture and livestock farming, commerce, technology, vocational trades, construction and other sectors.

"Returning home means more than just coming back to the country; it means returning to a sense of responsibility,” he said.

Uwera urged them to work hard, rebuild trust, respect the law and live peacefully with others.

He also cautioned young people against being persuaded to join armed groups, encouraging them instead to pursue their development.

"You must shape your future by pursuing your own advancement,” he said.

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Prosper Ndayisenga, a former Sergeant Major in the FDLR, spoke on behalf of the group after completing the demobilisation programme.

He expressed gratitude for the reception given to those coming from the jungle in DR Congo and for the training and support provided to prepare them for civilian life.

Ndayisenga also welcomed the assistance that has enabled them to settle and live alongside other Rwandans.

As part of the support provided, the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) covered community-based health insurance premiums for those entering civilian life and provided official documentation for adults. Young people received school materials and other necessities to support their education.

Valerie Nyirahabineza, chairperson of RDRC, said the commission would continue monitoring those who have completed the programme.

"The commission has established continuous follow-up mechanisms to monitor their well-being and to identify and respond to their needs,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by ambassadors from Zimbabwe, Senegal, Germany, Guinea, Egypt, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, Mozambique and the United Kingdom. Other countries represented included Burundi, Uganda, France, India, Tanzania and Turkey, among others.