Demobilised soldiers screened for assistance

NORTHERN PROVINCE GICUMBI — The Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission [RDRC] and local leaders on Wednesday screened the latest fourteenth batch of RDF demobilized soldiers from Gicumbi district. The exercise targeted those with physical disabilities and in dire need of capital to engage in income generating activities for self sustenance. The assistance shall also be extended to ex-FAR former combatants hailing from the district; that were reintegrated after passing through solidarity training at Mutobo solidarity camp. Venus Makuza, an official of RDRC, in charge of Economic Integration, while screening the former soldiers, said the exercise is aimed at facilitating the group acquire formal education and technical skills to enable them be self sufficient. “The exercise is taking place countrywide to identify former soldiers who are in dire need of financial assistance to enable them be self reliant,” said Makuza. Makuza further said former soldiers who lack accommodation of their own, are physically disabled, have no land for cultivation or have no source of income are the ones eligible for the assistance. Asked how much each would get, Makuza said the amount will depend on the degree of vulnerability of each former soldier. “The maximum amount is Frw 500,000 and the minimum is Frw100,000,” added Makuza. Steven Mangwa, the district coordinator of demobilized soldiers, said the amount shall be paid in installments to institutions where the beneficiaries would enroll for formal education, or will be channeled directly to their projects. “This is to ensure that the money is used wisely for the targeted objective of uplifting the economic status of former soldiers,” said Mangwa. Ends