Rwanda says it is ready to receive and reintegrate FDLR members who abandon armed activities and return to civilian life, while those accused of crimes will face justice, Rwanda Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has said.
Makolo told local press that Rwanda has developed systems and expertise to handle former combatants through its demobilisation and reintegration programmes, as part of what she described as a long-standing approach to resolving the issue of armed groups.
She pointed to the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission and the Mutobo centre, saying the facility has successfully supported tens of thousands of former combatants who have returned to civilian life.
“We are set up in Rwanda to handle any of these ex-combatants from the FDLR that are repatriated to Rwanda,” Makolo said.
Her remarks come amid continued regional efforts to address armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the FDLR has remained one of the most contested groups in the conflict.
Makolo said Rwanda’s position is that any genuine effort to neutralise the FDLR must first address what she described as the group’s continued links with the Congolese armed forces.
She alleged that the FDLR remains embedded within sections of the Congolese army, continues to operate alongside FARDC forces and receives various forms of support that allow it to remain active.
“We haven’t seen this stop yet,” she said, arguing that the separation of the FDLR from military structures is a necessary step toward ending its activities.
Makolo told Royal FM radio station that Rwanda’s approach distinguishes between individuals responsible for crimes and those who were drawn into the movement without committing offences.
“Those who are suspected to have committed crimes will be held accountable for it, so they’ll go through the justice system,” she said.
However, she added that families and individuals who have no cases to answer would be supported to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Makolo said Rwanda’s previous experience with former combatants demonstrates that reintegration is possible when returnees are given the necessary support.
“These are the Rwandans that are out there on our hills and they’re working the land, they’re doing various kinds of jobs, they’re contributing to the economy,” she said.
She added that Rwanda’s objective is to see former fighters abandon armed activities, return to peaceful civilian life and contribute positively to society.
