Musanze: 22 former child soldiers reunited with families in Rwanda

Twenty‑two of twenty‑four children who had been recruited into armed groups in eastern DRC have been reunited with their families after completing rehabilitation and civic education programs at the Mutobo Reintegration Center.

These youths shared harrowing testimonies of being indoctrinated with hatred and ethnic division, often forced into militias at a young age. Habakuki, 18, from Gasabo, recalled being abducted at 14 and told he could only return to Rwanda by taking up arms against fellow citizens.

He said: “I was taught that Rwanda was my homeland but that I had to fight the Tutsi before returning. At Mutobo, I discovered the truth and chose unity.”

Another youth, Frank, explained how indoctrination poisoned his childhood: “At 19, I believed Tutsis were enemies. But here I learned that hatred is like poison. No one discriminated against me at Mutobo, and I decided to live as a Rwandan.”

Parents expressed immense joy at seeing their children again after years of despair.

“We thought our children were dead. Now they are back, trained with skills and hope. I thank Rwanda’s leadership for restoring our families.” Angélique from Rubavu said

The Mutobo Center, run by Rwanda’s Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, provides civic education, counseling, vocational training, and support for reintegration. Commission President Valérie Nyirahabineza emphasized that the goal is not only to heal trauma but to instill confidence, unity, and resilience: “We want them to rebuild their lives, love Rwanda, and reject divisive ideologies.”