Over 50 ex-combatants discharged from Mutobo Centre

At least 57 former combatants of armed groups based in eastern DR Congo were on Thursday, October 27, discharged from Mutobo demobilisation and reintegration centre in Musanze District. The group makes the 68th phase of the ex-combatants who are now being integrated back into society. One of the beneficiaries, Col Augustin Nshimiyimana, a former FDLR-FOCA who worked in the secret service, said some of his colleagues are still in the jungle over misinformation and poor mind-set. “There are a lot of services here which can help anyone to willingly come back, including Ubudehe. Those who are ashamed to come back need to understand that the government will receive and help you,” he noted. Nshimiyimana said he has received training in entrepreneurship and civic education among other courses, at Mutobo. Jacques Bahati Sebwere, a former captain, said he has learnt a lot of things ever since he came back to Rwanda, and that he is now ready to develop himself and the country too. “We used to destabilise this country but today we’re ready to maintain its safety and engage in everything that brings the nation to growth, we have to participate and we are committed,” he said. Sebwere also commended the skills in different courses that they have been equipped with. “I am really very happy since I have learned a lot about history and now I have enough information about this country. I would like to tell my former top officials and the people I was in charge of, that they should stop wasting their time and come back to develop this country,” Sebwere added. Speaking at the ceremony, Valerie Nyirahabineza, the Chairperson for Rwanda Demobilisation and Integration Commission, called on graduates to encourage those they left behind to return home. “Be good ambassadors to tell your colleagues who are still in the jungles to lay down arms and come back, motivate them.” she said. The 57 included 42 former soldiers, 5 civilians including one politician and 10 women who are associated with armed groups. According to the commission, about 12, 000 members of armed groups operating in the DR Congo have passed at the Centre.

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Over 50 ex-combatants discharged from Mutobo Centre