Forget ethnic divisions, FDLR returnees told

WESTERN PROVINCE NYAMASHEKE — Former members of the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) returning to Rwanda have been advised to work closely with local leaders during reintegration in order to avoid confrontation with other residents.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

WESTERN PROVINCE

NYAMASHEKE — Former members of the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) returning to Rwanda have been advised to work closely with local leaders during reintegration in order to avoid confrontation with other residents.

The call was made by the Director of Community Policing, Chief Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Butera, while meeting 236 returnees on Wednesday at Ntendezi Transit camp.

He challenged them to exhibit discipline and follow attentively the lessons they will be taught at the Mutobo Demobilisation centre, so as to facilitate their reintegration.

He also asked the group to encourage their colleagues they left behind to hand themselves over for repatriation, instead of  being deffensive against the joint operation plan.

"I advise you as my fellow Rwandans to leave behind all the atrocities and ethnic divisions that you had in DRC.With this call I urge all of you to be  integrated in the society and work with the government in developing our nation in all developmental aspects,” Butera said.

The Chief Superintendent of Police in charge of Central Firearms, Joel Ndahiro who accompanied Butera, also asked the group to hand over any illicit arms in their possession to concerned security organs.

Ndahiro warned the former combatants against escaping back to DRC.

Later, the police chiefs met over 300 civilians at Nyagatare transit camp who were also repatriated from DRC this week.         

Ends