Rwanda : More Rwandans run away from Congo bushes
Some of the Rwandan FDLR rebels who have been living in the bushes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), though some rebel groups have started cropping up in the Congo.
On august 24, at least 79 Rwandans including 15 former rebels and civilians, managed to put down their weapons, packed their bags and crossed back to the home country Rwanda, through the Rusizi border in western province of Rwanda.
The repatriating group is currently being hosted at the Nyagatare refugee camp and being re-integrated into the community, through various education programs. They say that life in Rwanda is not compared to the life they have lived for the past years under fear.
Most of the returnees, who came from various parts of Congo forests, had families and children and said that finding food and schools for a living and education for children was the hardest part that compelled them to return home.
It has not been easy for us in the Congo. Finding food and schools is one of the things that one looks at and wonders what kind of future this whole trend of life will lead to. We are glad to be back in Rwanda since there is peace and it’s exciting to see how we have been warmly welcomed” “narrates one, Sergent Amidabu Mbonimpa.
Others in the group said that they have been hearing information about Rwanda’s progress but didn’t take it seriously despite various calls from their families that have previously repatriated.
They also called on other rebels to follow their footsteps rather than wasting time in the Congo over the “promise’’ ( of liberating Rwanda) that will never come true.
“There are so many Rwandan rebels who don’t believe that they will get this kind of welcome in Rwanda. Some of the leaders like Lt. Col Bemba Jean d’Dieu who should abandon the bushes and bring back all their followers back home” Sergeant Théobald Hagenimana aka ‘Demba’
More 500 Rwandans have repatriated through the same border since the beginning of the year. To date there are over 79 returnees at the Nyagatare camp, including 45 children- who also make the biggest number.
In the meantime, the group will be temporarily sheltered as they await reintegration into the community and the process will also include education and acquiring of life skills.
