EU urges DR Congo to dismantle FDLR in line with peace agreements
The European Union’s Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Johan Borgstam, has urged the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group opposed to the Rwandan government, in line with regional peace commitments.
Borgstam made the remarks during a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço, who also serves as Chairperson of the African Union. Their discussions focused on the security situation in the Great Lakes region and strengthening cooperation among regional and international partners.
The EU envoy stressed the importance of fully implementing the peace agreements signed by Rwanda and the DRC in Washington in June and December 2025, as well as earlier understandings reached in Doha, Qatar. He reiterated that the DRC has an obligation under these agreements to dismantle the FDLR and to support inclusive dialogue among Congolese stakeholders aimed at achieving sustainable peace.
Borgstam said the European Union remains committed to supporting peacebuilding and development initiatives across the Great Lakes region, noting that stronger economic cooperation could play a key role in stabilizing the region.
Under the Washington peace agreement, the DRC pledged to neutralize the FDLR, while Rwanda agreed to lift defensive measures along the border once the armed group was dismantled. However, progress on implementing these commitments remains limited.
While Congolese authorities have reportedly conducted campaigns encouraging FDLR fighters to disarm, a United Nations experts’ report published on December 30, 2025, indicated that elements of the Congolese armed forces continued to provide support to the group, including weapons and ammunition.
The report further suggested that the FDLR has remained a key ally to Congolese forces in operations against the AFC/M23 coalition, which currently controls large areas of North and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC.
