NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — An official of Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission [RDRC] has urged ex- combatants in Gicumbi District to begin working directly with local leaders.

Steven Mangwa, the RDRC coordinator of Gicumbi was last week speaking during one-day sensitization seminar on how the former fighters can work with the district and local authorities when the RDRC closes down its district offices later in June.

Soldiers demobilised from 2006 to May 2008 attended the function.

Participants included two representatives of ex-combatants at Sector level, Sector officials in charge of social affairs and district leaders.

"The ex-combatants are sensitized to work hand in hand with district authorities because they are now part of the local communities in their respective Cells and Sectors," said Mangwa.

RDRC Commissioners Fred Nyamurangwa and Alex Rugerintwari said when their offices close, the ex-combatants’ terminal benefits and other forms of assistance shall be channeled through grassroot authorities.

"Local leaders will be charged with the duty of dispatching payment vouchers to ex-combatants, provide counseling services and identify vulnerable ex-combatants to be assisted by RDRC," said Rugerintwari.

He explained that their services will remain at Provincial level with two staffers, one of whom will be a field officer and the other would be in-charge of monitoring and evaluation of the ex-combatants projects and their general welfare.

"The local Authorities shall perform these tasks as part of their duties," added Mangwa.

Ends