Former members of armed groups, including ex-FDLR fighters, were urged to become ambassadors for peace during the closing ceremony at the Mutobo Reintegration Program inMusanze District. Chairperson Nyirahabineza Valerie emphasized that Rwanda welcomes them and is ready to support their reintegration into society, helping them build new lives based on development.
These messages were delivered during the discharge of the 76th batch of former members of armed groups from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mutobo Reintegration Program Graduation Showcases Achievements
The ceremony included activities that highlighted the veterans’ accomplishments over the years. They demonstrated the knowledge and skills they acquired. This prepares them for civilian life and personal development.
Some veterans expressed their readiness to start a new life. They said that life in the jungles was very difficult, but now they have hope for a better future.
Personal Stories of Transformation at the Mutobo Reintegration Program
Twiringire Maburakindi, one of the deportees, shared her journey: “We lived a bad life of running around. When we saw that running was not working for us, we decided to return home. My first husband was a soldier in the FDLR when we were in court and I continued to live where we were living, especially since we did not even have a telephone to get information from our country. We continued to live a false life of praying that we would attack the country of Rwanda and defeat it. I do not know how we heard the news on the radio that in Rwanda, those who return home live well, so we decided to return home. When we arrived here in Mutobo, they taught us, they treated us, they treated us very well.”
He added that visiting her family showed her what she had lost. She also learned lessons that will help her and her colleagues join cooperatives to develop themselves.
Kazungu Kabahizi, a former member of the CNRD, said he arrived in Mutobo on October 29, 2025, and is happy to be back with his family: “We know the discrimination that took place in 1994. When you live under a leadership that is characterized by discrimination, it affects you because often we people follow the wrong path because of the mentality that our representatives have instilled in us.
he continued by saying : “We are happy that we are going to live in a community led by a healthy leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people. What I want is to live well with people so that I can continue to move forward, and whoever wants to bring ideology to me, as someone who knows where the country has gone, I will show them the way because we do not want to go backwards, but rather we want to move forward.”
Chairperson Nyirahabineza Valerie’s Message at the Mutobo Reintegration Program
Chairperson of RDCRC Nyirahabineza Valerie said: “At the Mutobo Center, we provide training to Rwandans to prepare them for their return to normal life. We teach them practical skills, Rwandan values, and how to live well with others in the Rwandan community.
she argued; “They have received a lot of help here at the Mutobo Center, because the important thing is to change them because they have been instilled with the ideology of the Genocide, taught things that are different from the truth, and are threatened by Rwanda and Rwandans in general.
However, we are grateful that they have completed the courses they received here in collaboration with many institutions. After conducting an assessment, we found that they give hope that if they return to their families, they will be good Rwandans, especially since they have shown good character (Discipline).
she continued by saying that among the things they received, were that the former fighters were initially afraid, because they had been told that they would be killed when they arrived in Rwanda. They were given counseling and were also given things to help them in their daily lives because they came with nothing. She concluded by saying: ” Go and become Rwandan Ambassadors for peace, and to encourage others to return home.”
Leaders Urge Peace and National Development through Mutobo Reintegration Program
Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice encouraged the repatriated to behave well and develop their families and the country: “Today we gather here to join in this process of demobilizing and reintegrating former members of armed groups who have completed the training here at the Mutobo center, batch 76, and the commencement of batch 77.
We thank our Government of National Unity led by His Excellency President Paul Kagame, who has consistently urged everyone who is still abroad as a refugee to return home and join others in building the country, even if they are in armed groups.
I also thank those who completed the training of batch 76. You have shown a willingness to change your life by agreeing to embark on a new journey to build your country instead of falling into the jungles of Congo. We are releasing you with the hope that you will return to your families and be exemplary in your conduct, developing your families and the country as a whole.”
He added: “Avoid divisions and the ideology of the Genocide, behave well in all things, strive for cleanliness in all that you do, and stick to unity and integrity, avoiding drunkenness and wasting money. Rather, live by asking for information about where the country has reached so that you can better understand it.”
Deputy Government Spokesperson Uwera Jean Maurice asked the retirees where he said: “Make good use of the opportunities you have been given, avoid returning to violent activities, and strive to build a new life that is beneficial to your families and the country in general.“
The Governor of the Northern Province, Mugabowagahunde Maurice
Building a New Life Through the Mutobo Reintegration Program
The Mutobo Reintegration Center provides training to equip former combatants with the skills, values, and support they need to transition into civilian life. The graduates are expected to become ambassadors for peace in their communities and contribute to national development.
They also received by many people and shared a drink to welcome them in the society
