CEPGL Speakers visit ex-combatants

Musanze - A delegation of Speakers of Parliament and Senate presidents from CEPGL, yesterday, visited ex-combatants undergoing demobilization and reintegration course at Mutobo Demobilization Centre, in Musanze District. CEPGL is the Economic Community for the Great Lakes Region. CEPGL brings together Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Accompanied by the Speaker of the Belgian parliament, Andre Flahaut, and other legislators from CEPGL, the group heard testimonies from former combatants, Senate president Dr. Vincent Biruta, said the reintegration exercise is part of Rwanda’s programme to restore peace and security in the region and encourage members of armed groups to return home. “Every Rwandan has the right to return home, and live peacefully. We expect you to join others in fostering development,’’ Biruta said, adding that the regional body, is committed to enhancing security and sound economic policies to ensure sustainable growth among the member countries. Senator Jacques Mbadu Nsiyu from DRC, told the returnees that they can play a major role in ensuring lasting peace in the region. “Tell us how you get the arms and the people you trade mineral with’’ he said. Most rebel insurgents in the region are reported to be operating in the DRC. The ex-combatants called for a combined effort to sensitize, and help rebels still holed up in jungles to repatriate. “There are people dissuading young people from returning back. These are people fearing to face justice for their role in the Genocide and we ended up living a terribly for 13 years in the forest of Uvira (DR Congo). The conditions were unbearable, the soldiers are held back due to wrong propaganda, ’’ said Jonas Nteziryayo, a former senior commander of the terrorist group, FDLR. Andre Flahaut, commended the regional determination to bring peace and security within member states. Ends

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CEPGL Speakers visit ex-combatants