The Minister stressed that the presence of the FDLR, a group largely composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, remains the single most serious obstacle to long-term stability between Rwanda and DR Congo. According to Kigali, the continued existence of this militia undermines regional peace initiatives and keeps tensions dangerously high.
FDLR Still Active and Receiving Support
During the interview, Minister Nduhungirehe left little room for ambiguity regarding Rwanda’s concerns. He stated that the FDLR is not only still active but also continues to receive support from state structures in Kinshasa.
“The FDLR is still present. It continues to receive support from Kinshasa. What we are asking for is the complete dismantling of this group, as stipulated in the Washington peace agreements,” he said.
For Rwanda, this issue goes beyond diplomatic disagreements. The FDLR has for decades posed a direct security threat, launching cross-border attacks, spreading genocidal ideology, and destabilizing border communities. Kigali argues that allowing such a group to exist contradicts all regional and international commitments aimed at ending armed violence in eastern DR Congo.
Despite repeated peace agreements and military initiatives, the FDLR has remained operational, armed, and embedded within complex local alliances. Rwanda views this as a failure of implementation rather than a lack of frameworks.
Commitments Under Washington, Luanda, and Nairobi Processes
Minister Nduhungirehe reminded the Congolese government of its obligations under multiple regional and international agreements. These include the Washington Peace Agreements, as well as the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which were designed to address insecurity in eastern DR Congo through dialogue, demobilization, and regional cooperation.
These frameworks, supported by international partners including the United States, clearly emphasize the neutralization of armed groups as a cornerstone of peace. The FDLR is consistently identified as one of the most dangerous of these groups due to its history, ideology, and cross-border threat.
According to Rwanda, Kinshasa’s failure to dismantle the FDLR represents a serious breach of trust and undermines the credibility of ongoing peace efforts. Kigali has repeatedly pointed out that FARDC units have at times collaborated with FDLR elements, a claim that further complicates relations between the two countries.
A Persistent Source of Regional Instability
The interview comes at a time of heightened tension in eastern DR Congo, where clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23 rebel movement continue to fuel instability. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23, allegations that Rwanda has firmly and consistently denied.
Rwanda maintains that these accusations distract from the real issue: the continued presence of the FDLR. Kigali argues that as long as genocidal forces remain active near its borders, Rwanda has legitimate security concerns that cannot be ignored.
From Rwanda’s perspective, the international focus on M23 without equal attention to the FDLR creates an imbalance that hinders honest dialogue. The government insists that peace cannot be selective and that all armed groups, especially those with genocidal roots, must be addressed comprehensively.
Historical Context Shapes Rwanda’s Position
Rwanda’s stance on the FDLR is deeply rooted in its history. The group was formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, during which more than one million people were killed. After being defeated, many perpetrators fled into what is now DR Congo, where they reorganized and continued armed activities.
For Kigali, the idea that such a group can operate freely under the watch of a neighboring state is unacceptable. The continued existence of the FDLR is viewed not only as a security threat but also as a moral and historical injustice.
Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda’s demand for the dismantling of the FDLR is not new and is not negotiable. It has been a consistent pillar of Rwanda’s foreign policy for more than two decades.
Rwanda’s Call for Responsibility and Action
In his remarks, the Minister underscored that Rwanda remains committed to peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and regional cooperation. However, he made it clear that peace cannot be built on denial or inaction.
“Lasting peace is not possible as long as the FDLR remains active,” he reiterated.
Rwanda continues to call on DR Congo and its international partners to move beyond declarations and ensure concrete action on the ground. This includes disarming the FDLR, dismantling its command structures, and preventing any form of support or collaboration.
Kigali argues that failure to address this issue will only prolong cycles of violence, displacement, and mistrust across the Great Lakes Region.
A Message to Regional and Global Stakeholders
The interview serves as a clear message to regional leaders, international mediators, and global partners involved in peace processes in Central Africa. Rwanda is signaling that no sustainable solution can be achieved without confronting the root causes of insecurity.
For Rwanda, the FDLR is not a marginal issue but the core of the problem. Ignoring it, officials argue, risks repeating past mistakes and undermining the sacrifices already made toward peace.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Rwanda’s position remains firm: peace in the Great Lakes Region must be built on security, accountability, and the dismantling of all armed groups without exception.
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