RDF CHIEF OF CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION JOINS RDRC PERSONNEL AND EX COMBATANTS FROM MUTOBO DEMOBILISATION CENTRE TO HONOUR VICTIMS OF THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI

The Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, Col Désiré Migambi Mungamba, today joined staff of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) and ex-combatants from Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in a commemoration event to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The event was held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

RDRC staff and ex-combatants were given insights into how the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned and executed under poor leadership that promoted divisionism among Rwandans.

While addressing the gathering, Col Migambi emphasised that the youth should uphold the traditional values that have always defined Rwandan identity, including unity, patriotism, sovereignty, and prosperity.

He noted with regret that Rwanda became divided during the colonial period and under the post-independence regimes of Kayibanda and Habyarimana, which persecuted many Rwandans. Tutsi were killed, others were denied their rights, and many were forced into exile. This situation eventually led to the launch of the liberation struggle by the Rwanda Patriotic Army, which ultimately stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi perpetrated by Habyarimana’s regime.

Col Migambi further stressed that the current generation of youth should avoid being misled by negative politics that promote genocide ideology and threaten Rwanda’s progress. He cited the example of the FDLR, which continues to recruit and indoctrinate many young people with hatred and genocide ideology. Instead, he urged the youth to embrace the values of unity, patriotism, and hard work for the development of their country.
“Whoever betrays Rwanda will never succeed in their evil plan,” he said.

The Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission, Valerie Nyirahabineza said the commemoration was organised to honour the victims and preserve their memory, reminding everyone of the importance of building the Rwanda they aspire to see.

She further explained that bringing recently repatriated combatants to the commemoration was intended to help them understand the truth about the Genocide against theTutsi and encourage them to tell their colleagues still hiding in the forests of the DRC to abandon their destructive agenda and return home.

As part of their program today, the RDRC Personnel and recently repatriated combatants also visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum.