UN mission in DR of Congo returns 11 more Rwandan ex-combatants

Continuing its voluntary demobilization programme for ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN mission in that country announced that 11 former fighters from Rwanda were repatriated to their home country today.

According to the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC), the 11 returnees - combatants from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) - were inspired to come forward by a MONUC video on the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration process, especially the witness statements from those previously repatriated by the Mission regarding conditions offered them during their stay.

The Mission said that in a statement issued on 9 January, the Rwandan Government pledged to continue receiving the returnees in conformity with national and international rules. The fighters who returned today were among 21 people held since last October by the Congolese authorities.