Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Minister of Interior, Dr Vincent Biruta, has urged border communities in Rubavu District to vigorously prevent the recruitment of their children into militia operating in neighbouring DR Congo, underscoring that this poses a significant threat to Rwanda’s security.
Minister Biruta was speaking to residents of Rubavu Sector at in meeting held on Tuesday, May 13. He highlighted the threat posed by armed groups, such as the FDLR, which was founded by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“They come and mislead, deceive our youth, recruit them in the militia groups in DR Congo, this is also a threat to our national security,” stated Biruta.
“These cross-border issues destabilize our country’s security. The speeched and narratives being disseminated in the neighboring country are also of concern concern to this district and the nation as a whole.”
He noted that those who had joined the armed groups did not finding better lives. Instead, their families back home “suffer the same negative impact” of their actions in DR Congo.
“We commend those who have returned and those who encouraged them to do so. Others have also returned unwillingly, some having been captured. Let us continue this mobilization,” Biruta said. “Reach out to them and assure them that our country is safe. Let us prioritize this responsibility.”
Official figures from Rubavu District indicate that approximately 60 individuals, largely youth, who had joined the FDLR, have returned. They come from border sectors of Busasamana, Bugeshi, Cyanzarwe, and Rubavu.
“We recently recorded the return of individuals from Wazalendo and FDLR. They have rejoined their families after receiving vocational training at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre,” explained Prosper Mulindwa, the Mayor of Rubavu District.
“Many others ventured into DR Congo not in search of employment but to join militia groups attempting to destabilize our nation. We have been actively mobilizing citizens, urging them to encourage their relatives to return home.”
In Busasamana alone, some 92 children are said to have joined the militias, with only 22 having returned, according to Sector Executive Secretary, Antoinne Kariba. He added that efforts are underway to ensure the remaining children are repatriated.
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