Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement on June 27, 2025, with support from the United States. The agreement includes the neutralisation of the FDLR to enable Rwanda to lift its defensive measures along the border with the DRC. These operations are detailed in a project called 'CONOPS', approved in October 2024 during peace talks in Luanda, Angola.
In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) on November 26, Minister Nduhungirehe said that, under the Washington Agreement, dismantling the FDLR is a prerequisite for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures.
"There will be no peace unless the FDLR genocidaires, supported and funded by Kinshasa and even integrated into the army, are neutralised, as required by the CONOPS signed under the Washington peace agreement. Neutralising these FDLR members will pave the way for lifting Rwanda's defence measures," he said.
The DRC has indicated that it has launched the process of dismantling the FDLR, referencing a communiqué of October 10 calling on its armed forces to break all collaboration with the group, as well as a 'sensitisation campaign' in Walikale territory, North Kivu, aimed at persuading FDLR fighters to lay down their arms.
Minister Nduhungirehe, however, stated that the militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda are still present and continue to receive support from Kinshasa.
"Technical teams are discussing in Washington, and we hope progress will be made. In any case, nothing will happen without Kinshasa's good faith and political will on the FDLR issue. The FDLR remain integrated into the Congolese army and supported by Kinshasa," he said.
The Minister stressed that the Washington peace agreement calls for concrete actions, including the effective neutralisation of the FDLR, not just mapping, communiqués, or calls to lay down arms. He assured that Rwanda will honour all its commitments under the U.S.-led process.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-stresses-political-will-needed-from-drc-to-dismantle-fdlr
