Rwanda says 81 repatriated from DRC were civilians, not Ex‑FDLR fighters

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe has revealed that 81 people repatriated from the DRC since October 2025 initially presented as ex‑FDLR combatants were later confirmed to be Congolese civilians with no history in armed groups.

On August 1, 2026, he explained that the RDRC (Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration) had recently returned 39 of them to the DRC after seven months in Rwanda, following thorough verification. Many admitted they had falsely claimed to be ex‑combatants after being told they would benefit from support at Mutobo Reintegration Center. In fact, 69 confessed they were instructed to lie in order to receive financial or material assistance.

Some of the individuals said MONUSCO staff had promised them money if they declared themselves former fighters. MONUSCO denied involvement, insisting it conducts proper screening before sending people to Rwanda. However, Minister Nduhungirehe stressed that MONUSCO’s DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration) staff must uphold professionalism, integrity, and caution.

He emphasized that the EJVM (Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism) has been invited to review the case, ensuring transparency in cross‑border security monitoring. Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda expects DDR processes to be handled with honesty and neutrality, warning against manipulation of reintegration programs for personal gain.