On Wednesday, July 16, a Cabinet meeting led by President Paul Kagame appointed Maj Gen (Rtd) Jack Nziza and former Minister of Local Government Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi to the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission.
The Commission, chaired by Valerie Nyirahabineza, is tasked with facilitating the effective demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants into society, both socially and economically.
Nziza, who previously served as the Inspector General of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) before retiring, was named Vice Chairperson of the Commission. Gatabazi, who had served as the Minister of Local Government until November 2022, was appointed as a member. Gatabazi has also held positions as a Member of Parliament and Governor of the Northern Province.
Other Commission members include Dancille Nyirarugero, former Governor of Northern Province, and Jacqueline Muhongayire, who has held roles such as Minister for East African Community Affairs and Senator.
Chairperson Nyirahabineza has a history of leadership in various roles, including Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.
The demobilisation process targets former members of armed groups, including child soldiers, depending on the repatriation rate, as well as personnel from the Rwanda Defence Force. The Commission also oversees the reintegration process, providing support like Reintegration Grants for micro-projects, Vulnerability Support grants for those in need, psychosocial counseling, HIV/AIDS awareness, community outreach, capacity-building for ex-combatants’ cooperatives, and specialized reintegration aid for children, women, and people with disabilities.