MUTОBO, Rwanda — At least 603 former members of armed groups operating in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including former FDLR members, are continuing a reintegration programme at Mutobo aimed at helping them return to civilian life in Rwanda.
The former combatants have been received at the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre, where they undergo training designed to help them leave behind life in the forests and rebuild their lives within their communities.
The participants are being received in different groups. Those who complete the programme are returned to their families and supported as they resume normal civilian life.
The group also includes former military personnel who previously held senior ranks, including officers at the rank of Major General and below. Some of them came from different parts of Rwanda after returning from the forests of the DRC.
Among those involved in the programme was Major General Anastase Munyaneza, who comes from Ngororero District. He welcomed participants taking part in the activities at Mutobo.
Another group of about 20 former combatants was also involved in the programme, with the lowest ranking member holding the rank of Sous-Lieutenant.
The Mutobo programme is designed to support former members of armed groups as they transition from life in the forests to civilian life, reconnect with their families and communities, and rebuild their livelihoods.
The initiative forms part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to facilitate the return and reintegration of former armed group members who have left conflict zones in the DRC.
