Rwanda Receives 15 FDLR Fighters and Civilians Repatriated From DRC

Kigali, November 25, 2025 - Rwanda has received 15 ex-combatants of the FDLR and seven civilians associated with armed groups, repatriated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by personnel from the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. The group, which arrived on Tuesday, includes five children, according to officials.

The Chairperson of the National Commission for the Demobilization and Rehabilitation of Ex-Combatants (RDRC), Valerie Nyirahabineza, confirmed the development, noting that the total number of arrivals was 22 people.

“Today we received 22 forest residents, including 15 ex-combatants, seven civilians, and five children,” she told.

Nyirahabineza explained that once these former fighters arrive in Rwanda, they are immediately transferred to the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre for a three- to four-month training program aimed at preparing them for reintegration into civilian life.

“When they come voluntarily, they receive training before being discharged and reunited with their families. We work with various institutions to assess them and ensure that their behavior has changed,” she said.

The training at Mutobo is designed to help ex-combatants abandon the negative ideology they were exposed to in the forests of eastern DRC, especially those from factions of the FDLR.

Upon arrival, the returnees also receive medical treatment, including support for trauma recovery, as many suffer psychological effects after years in armed groups.

“In addition to training, they receive assistance such as health care, shelter, food, clothing, and support tailored to women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities,” Nyirahabineza added.

She also urged former combatants who have already reintegrated into their communities to help encourage others still in the forests to demobilize and return home, stressing that Rwanda is ready to receive them.

According to RDRC figures, between January and October 2025, MONUSCO repatriated 54 Rwandan fighters, mostly from the FDLR, along with 44 family members.

Since 2001, the RDRC has processed 12,602 former members of Rwandan armed groups operating in eastern DRC, received in 75 batches following their demobilization.