58 people, mainly former combatants of the Democratic Forces for the
Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia and their family members, yesterday
arrived in the country after they voluntarily decided to put down arms
and return home.Pictured: Former combatants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia have been repatriated after laying down their weapons.
The group mainly composed of middle aged men and youthful former fighters together with their wives and children arrived at Kigali International Airport at around 4pm aboard a chartered flight.
Dressed in white T-shirts inscribed with the word PAREC (Ecumenical Programme for Peace, Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation), the North Kivu based NGO which played a role in repatriating the former rebels, the returnees were received by officials of Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC).
Addressing the press shortly after arrival, the leader of PAREC, Pastor Daniel Ngoyi Mulunda, said that the programme to encourage the former Ex-FAR elements now under the FDLR is still ongoing to ensure that peace returns to the Eastern part of DRC.
"Our two Presidents initiated a path for peace and what we want is to see peace return in this region. We are happy to see that our efforts are already paying off and people are voluntarily offering to return home,"
"We want to see all countries enjoy stability so that people of both countries can leave together in peace and harmony. The two Presidents (Paul Kagame and Joseph Kabila) are committed to see that happen," Mulunda told the press.
Source: Edmund Kagire, The New Times (via AllAfrica.com)
Comments |  RSS |
|
