Rwanda has received seven members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and their families, who were repatriated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) on November 10, 2025.
According to MONUSCO, the group had spent three days at a temporary disarmament transit center in Goma, where they were processed before being transported to Rwanda.
In total, MONUSCO facilitated the repatriation of 49 Rwandan nationals, including the seven ex-combatants and their dependents. The mission said the individuals voluntarily chose to return home and urged others still hiding in the forests to lay down their arms and embrace peace.“Life in the bush is unbearable,” one of the returnees said. “I call on my brothers and sisters who are still out there to surrender to MONUSCO and come home to live peacefully.”
Ongoing Repatriation Efforts
Between January and October 2025, MONUSCO assisted in the return of 54 Rwandan ex-combatants, most of whom were affiliated with the FDLR, along with 44 of their family members.
Upon arrival in Rwanda, returnees are taken to the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Center in Musanze District, which is managed by the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC). There, they undergo training and receive psychological and social support to help them reintegrate into civilian life.
On October 30, RDRC successfully reintegrated 143 former FDLR members who had completed a three- to six-month rehabilitation program at the Mutobo center. The commission reiterated its commitment to continue supporting all those who voluntarily repatriate and seek peaceful reintegration into society.
Commitment to Peace and Stability
The return of these ex-combatants reflects Rwanda’s continued collaboration with MONUSCO and regional partners to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda has consistently encouraged Rwandan nationals who remain in armed groups in eastern DRC to seize the opportunity for safe repatriation, emphasizing that the government guarantees their security and supports their reintegration.
MONUSCO also reaffirmed its readiness to continue facilitating voluntary disarmament and repatriation programs until its mission mandate in the DRC concludes.
Author: Justinmid HARERIMANA
