The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has intensified efforts to combat genocide ideology, ethnic divisionism, and false religious teachings among former combatants returning from DR Congo.
False doctrine has long been used as a weapon by leaders of the FDLR militia to control its fighters and instill genocidal ideology—a reality witnessed by hundreds of ex-combatants who have willingly left war-torn eastern DR Congo.
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Maj (Rtd) Peter Kubwayo, 50, is among the ex-combatants discharged from Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District in November 2023. He noted that younger fighters are particularly vulnerable to ideological manipulation by militia leaders, keeping them captive to false teachings, including distorted gospel messages.
"Young combatants in the jungle are easily convinced by these false teachings," Kubwayo told The New Times. "Delivering the true gospel is vital to shifting their mindsets, dismantling the genocidal ideologies they acquired, and helping them reintegrate as united Rwandans."
Lt Col (Rtd) Emilien Mpakaniye, 52, explained that the FDLR relies heavily on the false belief that fighting to retake Rwanda is a sacred duty, preventing fighters from laying down their arms and returning home.
Born in Rubengera Sector, Karongi District, Mpakaniye fled the country in 1994 after it was liberated by the RPA Inkotanyi.
"The FDLR has specific groups dedicated to promoting false prophecies and religious teachings to boost fighters&039; morale in the battlefield," Mpakaniye narrated.
Partnership with Irish bishops
To counteract the radical ideologies spread in the jungle, the commission is collaborating with faith-based organizations. Together, they aim to help former combatants dismantle biblical interpretations and reject discriminatory ideas.
"They are mobilized under the false premise that Rwanda is a land reserved solely for the Hutu—their 'promised land' that they must recapture. That exists nowhere in the Bible," RDRC Chairperson Valérie Nyirahabineza said on Thursday, November 3, during a visit by a delegation of Irish bishops to the Mutobo centre in Musanze District.
The commission is exploring a partnership with the Irish bishops.
"These bishops teach the authentic gospel—one that promotes unity, collaboration, and love among all people as children of God. Partnering with them allows us to dismantle the divisive ideology instilled in these combatants during their time in the jungle," Nyirahabineza said.
Seán Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of Trócaire—the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland—highlighted the shared history of conflict and recovery between Ireland and Rwanda as a strong foundation for the partnership.
"We will support the work that happens here at the centre through our regular programs to ensure returnees are successfully reintegrated into their communities," Farrell said during a media briefing.
He emphasized the Catholic Church’s core values of humility and human dignity. "We remain deeply committed to working here in Rwanda for peace and reconciliation," Farrell said.
He also expressed admiration for Rwanda’s socioeconomic reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
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"We know the history of Rwanda and the terrible events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi," he added. "But we also believe Rwanda is a country showing real hope, promise, and progress in rebuilding itself. As a church-based organization, we are happy to partner with you on that journey," he said.