Uwimana David, 17, reunited after escape from FDLR

Uwimana David, a 17‑year‑old boy born in the DRC, has shared his harrowing experience of being forced into the FDLR militia.

For three years, he lived under constant indoctrination and violence in the forests of Masisi, where children were trained to commit atrocities, deprived of education, and separated from their families.

Uwimana recounted being abducted while visiting relatives and forced to carry ammunition to rebel bases. Later, he was handed a gun and compelled to fight, losing contact with his family who had already fled to Rwanda. He described being taught to loot, abuse civilians, and even commit sexual violence acts he now condemns as “poison” instilled in him at a young age.

His escape came after reconnecting with a friend who had already gone through Rwanda’s Mutobo Reintegration Center. Encouraged to surrender, Uwimana crossed at La Corniche border and spent three months at Mutobo, where he received civic education, counseling, and vocational training. He was reunited with his family on July 29, 2026.

“We were told that if we returned to Rwanda, we would be killed. But when I arrived, I was welcomed, given clothes, food, and lessons that helped me rediscover life. Now I want to go back to school and build a future,” Uwimana said.

The National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration confirmed that out of 24 children completing the program, 22 were reunited with their families, while two are still awaiting family tracing. Since its inception, the commission has reintegrated over 1,029 former child soldiers.