Musanze - The Congolese-based Rwandan militia group, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), is reportedly embroiled in internal infighting, according to rebels who defected recently. The conflicts follow the killing of the outfit’s chief of staff, Theodomir Mugaragu, last week. Mugaragu was reportedly slain as a result of misunderstandings. Speaking from Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre, the former rebels revealed that FDLR has been weakened by frequent skirmishes with the Congolese Mai Mai who want the rebels out of their area. Capt. Joseph Tuziyarmye, a former political commissar in the rebel ranks, noted that FDLR has lost the support of the local population, is short of ammunition and has lost soldiers as the local community takes them on. “Each soldier is left with bullets for personal security not war engagements, there is no longer direct external support, the population has said enough is enough, its now a crisis that has made me abandon the unjustified cause,” he said. The returnees from Sud Kivu, in the areas of Shabunda, Walungu and Hombo, said the offices of the UN Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) are far, besides lacking communication links. The chairman of Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission, Jean Sayinzoga, welcomed the repatriated rebels, saying that their strength can be used in rebuilding the country and developing themselves. The FDLR, and other rebel groups stationed in the north and south Kivu, are mainly made up of genocidaires, who fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the 1994 Genocide. “FDLR is typical MRND (former ruling party during the Genocide) the promotions within the ranks are based on divisions. I was given 300 strokes of the cane by my commander, for coming late, today I am disabled due to such harassment,’’ narrated Capt. Theodomir Biziyaremye, a former member of RUD-Urunana. The ex-rebels are currently undergoing demobilisation and reintegration training at Mutobo demobilisation centre in Musanze. Ends
