Integration of ex-FAR soldiers into RPA was a crucial step in Rwanda's post-Genocide struggle

Author: Moses Kayinamura

• 2023-08-20 05:30:00

The integration of the former Forces Armées Rwandaises (ex-FAR) soldiers into the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) played a pivotal role in quelling post-Genocide insurgency.

In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi, as RPA soldiers halted the violence, a segment of ex-FAR soldiers, who were not involved in the atrocities were integrated into RPA which later became Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

On October 22, 1994, international journalists were invited to Gako Military Camp to witness the integration process. The ex-FAR officers embarked on a brief but intensive training program, immersing themselves in the ideological foundation of the new army and their responsibilities in the nation's post-genocide reconstruction efforts.

Among the 78 senior officers present on that pivotal day was the late Col Marcel Gatsinzi, who would later ascend to the rank of a four-star General within the RDF. Gatsinzi told the media that "we stand here united with RPA, engaged not just in military training but also in a seminar of peace.”

“While some chose to flee the country, I chose peace. My goal is to contribute to rebuilding our nation, utilizing my experience in various capacities, be it in the armed forces or beyond."

Following his integration, Gatsinzi assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Staff of RPA, while his compatriot Col Deogratias Ndibwami became the Chief of Staff of the Gendarmerie, which would later evolve into the Rwanda National Police. Noteworthy participants in this initiative included Maj Gen BEM Emmanuel Habyarimana, who also served as a defense minister in the past.

Integration efforts extended over subsequent years. Between 1995 and 1997, over 10,500 ex-FAR officers and personnel merged into the RPA. Subsequently, from 1998 to 2002, more than 39,200 ex-FAR members and militia found their place within the RPA ranks.

At one juncture, the ex-FAR contingent within the RDF exceeded the number of original RPA fighters, as noted by Gen James Kabarebe during a meeting of RPF cadres on July 23.

The integration bore immediate security fruits, with the defeat of a post-Genocide insurgency spearheaded by hardline remnants of the defeated genocidal forces, who formed the ALiR militia group, which later also transformed into the current FDLR.

The ex-FAR soldiers, hailing primarily from the northern region, held intimate knowledge of the insurgency-stricken areas. This familiarity was instrumental in stopping the insurgency, evident when within a span of one month in 1998, Col Leonard Nkundiye, FDLR's top commander, met his demise. His successor, Lt Col Dr Froduald Mugemanyi, faced a similar fate two weeks later, effectively dismantling FDLR's leadership.

The Arusha Peace Agreement's Protocol III, established in 1993 between the Rwandan government and RPF Inkotanyi, guided the integration process. Remarkably, despite triumphing in their armed struggle, RPF remained committed to the protocol.

Contrary to misconceptions, the joint Rwandan force that intervened in DRC aimed to repatriate refugees and counter insurgency. This operation fused RPA and ex-FAR elements, reuniting families rather than targeting them.

Rwanda's journey towards social and economic transformation finds its roots in the unity of its people.

This unity was only achievable through the security bolstered by the combined might of RPA and ex-FAR, culminating in RDF's formation—an army dedicated to safeguarding all Rwandans.

In the tapestry of Rwanda's success, the integration of ex-FAR stands as a critical thread, woven into the fabric of a nation that defied adversity, united, and forged its path to transformation.