Wives of ex-combatants reintegrated into Rwandan society hope for better future

August 3, 2022

Rwanda has been reintegrating ex-combatants from different armed groups through Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) which equips them with values helping them to become responsible citizens as they return to respective communities.

Meanwhile, repatriates suspected to have had role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are taken to court to face justice.

In case ex-combatants return with their families, the country takes them through reintegration process separately. It is against this backdrop that former combatants undergo rehabilitation at Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District while their families including wives and children are sent to Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District to be acquainted with different skills and receive support to move on with life upon release.

Some of women repatriated in 2018 have attested that their lives have been significantly impacted and got permanent shelters owing to received support.

Usually, a woman receives financial support Rwf100,000 while a man gets Rwf200,000 to start new life after graduation.

Apart from financial support, some beneficiaries are enrolled in vocational training programs like sewing, hairdressing, nail trimming and welding among others.

Emerance Mukandori from Cyanika Sector of Nyamagabe District has revealed that received training on sewing will bring many positive transformations into her life.

“My sewing skills will be helpful to achieve progress and easily get clothes for my family. Our profession will help us to survive particularly during this of COVID-19 pandemic where finding a job is not easy,” she noted.

Pelagie Yamfashije from Bugesera District has told IGIHE that the support helped her to develop farsightedness and work hard that she has built a house.

Yamfashije said that she was hit hard before getting own house but received financial support ushered her into prosperity. She also rears livestock that serve as a source of manure to fertilize her farmland.

Of 805 people repatriated in 2018, 246 have undertaken courses in different vocational subjects while others received other kinds of support.

The achievements were attained through collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) on funds provided by Japan.