Demobilization Camp

Emilie sniffs out some of the best stories in Rwanda. Lucky for me that she drags me along to shoot for her.

We went to a demobilization camp for Rwandans who fled to the DRC to escape punishment for genocide related crimes. The camp rehabilitates rebels from the DRC (Rwandans who participated in the 1994 Genocide) who wish to turn themselves in peacefully.

Interestingly enough, the program claims to rehabilitate these rebels in just two months. Put in another way, two months is all it takes before the government deems them to be fit to return to society.

Who knows, perhaps two months IS enough time. It’s really hard to think otherwise after seeing the genuine kindness of the people in this country.

Now many of them, most in their 20s, will wait to see if they get called to trial for Genocide crimes (Gacaca). On the day Emilie and I went, they were releasing about 50 former rebels. Some had family in attendance to meet them. Others will go back to their villages.

How will they be received in their villages, you might ask?

You’d think the community would look down on people suspected of killing their own people, but the simple fact is that the majority (84 per cent) of the population in Rwanda is still of the ethnic background that incited Genocide. As it was explained to me, there is much sympathy among and within this ethnic group.

In the end the story and photos were canned. I really don't understand why. Something to do with a previous story in the paper that misquoted someone. Too bad, i guess.