An estimated 2000 soldiers including, 71 officers, of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) who were recently demobilised from the army were yesterday officially discharged after completing a two-week reintegration course.

The ceremony took place at the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission centre (RDRC) at Duha on the shores of Lake Muhazi, in Rwamagana district.

During the discharge ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Gen Marcel Gatsinzi, urged the ex-combatants to adhere to government programmes when they return to civilian life.

"You should not think that you are going to begin a completely new life. It’s a continuation of service to the country but without using guns and uniform, you should not fear,” he said.

He urged the former officers and men to cultivate discipline among youths in their respective localities, avoid laziness and be exemplary at all times.

The former servicemen, he added, are supposed to work towards maintaining the current peace and security in the country while working in cooperation with existing systems of governance.

Jean Seyinzoga, the chairman of RDRC reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to always help the former soldiers.

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