Willy Manzi, vice governor of the rebel-controlled province, shared a video on X showing Tokyo being presented to local residents, describing the arrest as a major blow to the militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
"Another notorious combatant has been captured,' he wrote on Saturday, adding that the FDLR fighter was taken alive after being wounded in the leg.
"Although Tokyo was wounded in the leg, he was treated and safely evacuated by AFC/M23 forces, a striking display of humanity toward someone responsible for thousands of orphans and victims of sexual violence," he added.
Another notorious combatant has been captured, marking a significant loss for Kinshasa. One of the FDLR's senior figures, known as Tokyo (real name Yoweri, from Kivuye in western Rwanda), was captured by AFC/M23 forces in a location called Muzimu ('Ghost') in Masisi, North Kivu.… pic.twitter.com/1lwub7OJ5I
â€" Manzi Willy (@RealManziWilly) October 25, 2025
Tokyo, who hails from Rwanda's Western Province, is accused of involvement in killings, rapes, and the burning of homes alongside other FDLR figures such as Jean-Marie of Nyatura, Tiger, and Ignace Dunia.
The FDLR has operated in eastern DR Congo for more than 25 years. The group is sanctioned by both the United Nations and the United States and is known for attacks on civilians and inciting ethnic violence.
Earlier this month, Rwanda imposed sanctions on 25 individuals linked to terrorism, including FDLR President Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (alias Victor Byiringiro) and Maj Gen Pacifique 'Omega' Ntawunguka, commander of FDLR-FOCA.
The militia continues to fight alongside the Congolese army against M23, which now controls large parts of North and South Kivu, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered agreement in June to dismantle the FDLR, but officials have acknowledged that implementation continues to face setbacks. During talks in Washington, DC, earlier this month, both governments renewed their commitment to the deal, which aims to neutralise the FDLR and reduce tensions along the border.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/notorious-fdlr-combatant-tokyo-captured-by-m23-in-drc
