A report by United Nations experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo identifies the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as a persistent armed group contributing to insecurity in eastern DRC and posing a continued security concern for Rwanda.
The report, released at the end of June, provides detailed estimates of the group's structure, leadership, and manpower, highlighting significant discrepancies in figures reported by different sources.
According to the findings, the FDLR is organized into three main factions: FDLR-FOCA, FDLR-RUD, and FDLR-FPP. These factions have reportedly adopted alternative names in an effort to conceal their affiliation with the broader movement. FDLR-FOCA operates under the name 'Bataillon Jungle,' FDLR-RUD uses the designation 'FDP-R,' while FDLR-FPP also refers to itself simply as 'FPP.'
The report notes that while these factions operate with a degree of autonomy, they remain part of a coordinated structure. It identifies Pacifique Ntawuguka, also known as Gen Omega Israel, as the military commander of FDLR-FOCA. Lt. Gen. Gaston Iyamuremye, alias Victor Byiringiro, serves as the group's political leader. Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, also known as Faida Hakimu, leads FDLR-RUD, while Col. Dan Hategekimana, known as Dan Simplice, commands FDLR-FPP.
Despite this apparent fragmentation, Gen Omega is described as the overall coordinating authority, playing a central role in strategic decisions and inter-factional coordination.
The report highlights major inconsistencies regarding the group's manpower. The FDLR itself claims to have more than 10,000 fighters, with nearly half engaged in active military operations. The CRAP unit further claims a strength exceeding 20,000 combatants.
However, UN experts and intelligence assessments dispute these figures, estimating the FDLR's actual strength at between 3,500 and 4,500 fighters. The Washington peace framework had previously placed the figure at between 3,000 and 3,500, suggesting that the group may be inflating its numbers to project greater military capacity.
The report also details the geographical presence of the FDLR factions across eastern DRC. FDLR-RUD operates primarily in Bwisha and Bwito in Rutshuru, as well as in Jomba, Binza, Busanza, and Bukoma. FDLR-FPP is also active in Rutshuru. The largest faction, FDLR-FOCA, maintains a broader presence across North Kivu, particularly in Nyiragongo, Masisi, Rutshuru, and Walikale.
In addition, the FOCA-linked CRAP unit is reported to claim operational presence on the outskirts of Goma, with observations that some of its elements have infiltrated the city.
Given Goma's proximity to the Rwandan border, these claims raise significant security concerns, suggesting that the group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi may still retain the capacity to operate within strategically sensitive urban areas.
The report further cites ongoing battlefield activity involving the FDLR in North Kivu, including instances where its fighters have operated independently or alongside elements of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and local militia groups known as VDP/Wazalendo.
On 29 March 2026, FARDC announced the launch of operations against the FDLR. The following day, it deployed specialized units, including 'Hiboux' and 'Jungle Battalion' forces from Kisangani, to Walikale.
However, the report questions the effectiveness and sincerity of these operations, noting that some officials in Kinshasa and FARDC officers in eastern DRC privately assured FDLR leaders that military action against the group would not be fully implemented.
It further claims that on 7 April 2026, a confidential meeting took place in Pinga, Walikale, involving senior FARDC generals and representatives of FDLR-FOCA, during which continued cooperation between the two sides was reportedly discussed and agreed upon.
The report also notes that in late March 2026, a FARDC helicopter delivered weapons to Pinga intended for FDLR-FOCA fighters. These supplies were reportedly destined for units under Maj. Gen. Uzabakiriho Cyprien, also known as Kolomboka Niyo Tedium Mugisha, operating in Masisi. The equipment was allegedly received by the FDLR-CRAP unit before being transported onward to frontline positions.
According to the report, similar incidents occurred in late 2025, when FDLR elements operating in Bwito reportedly traveled to Pinga to collect weapons and ammunition.
Under the Washington peace framework, the FDLR was designated for dismantlement. A high-level meeting held on 17–18 March 2026 identified six priority areas for operations aimed at neutralizing the group, five in North Kivu and one in South Kivu.
These locations were designated as Named Areas of Interest (NAIs), including zones such as Pinga–Mpeti–Lukweti in North Kivu highlands.
The report notes that operations were scheduled to begin on 31 March 2026 in NAI-1, specifically in the Pinga–Lukweti area, as part of efforts to implement the agreed peace framework.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/un-report-details-fdlrs-structure-numbers-and-cooperation-with-fardc/
