DRC legislators visit ex-combatants

MUSANZE – Legislators from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have hailed Rwanda’s demobilisation and reintegration programme, saying it is unique. The law makers made these remarks while visiting Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre on Wednesday. The visit was aimed at drawing lessons from the successful demobilisation programme in Rwanda. The MPs were accompanied by three Rwandan law makers led by Adolphe Bazatoha. Addressing hundreds of former FDLR ex-combatants currently undergoing reintegration course at Mutobo, MP Sabine Bintu, of DRC said, “this is an amazing success story worth emulating. Obviously such lessons would help us address challenges we have as we embark on rolling out our post-conflict programmes.” She thanked the former rebels for their choice to return home and appealed to those who are still in the jungles of DRC to abandon war and return home voluntarily. MP Bazatoha, shared similar sentiments and advised the ex-combatants to embrace development programmes when they return to civilian life. The chairman of Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission, Jean Sayinzoga, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working toward peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. The ex-combatants commended the Government for the reconciliatory approach to conflict resolution and post war nation building. They pledged to persuade those still in the jungles to abandon hostilities and voluntarily repatriate. “We shall spread messages to our brothers and sisters who are still holed up in DRC to return home,” Korotirida Twagirimana, a female ex-combatant, aged 29 said. Ends