Nduhungirehe Rejects DRC Claims That FDLR Is Based in AFC/M23-Controlled Areas

The Government of Rwanda has accused the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of attempting to evade its obligations under the Washington peace agreement by claiming that fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) are based exclusively in territories controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition.

Kinshasa has recently argued that FDLR combatants are operating in areas held by AFC/M23, suggesting that the Congolese government is unable to access those locations to dismantle the armed group.

Rwanda rejects the assertion, describing it as an attempt by the DRC to avoid implementing commitments made under the Washington peace accord, which requires the Congolese government to neutralize the FDLR as part of broader efforts to restore lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

Kigali maintains that it possesses extensive intelligence on the FDLR's activities and its continued cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). According to Rwandan authorities, this information has already been shared with the United States, which is serving as the mediator in the peace process.

The debate intensified after Cure Ngoma, spokesperson for the FDLR, stated in a recent interview with the BBC that the group's fighters are located in eastern DRC, specifically in territories controlled by AFC/M23. His remarks came shortly after the FDLR announced an agreement with the Congolese government aimed at disarmament and reintegration.

Speaking to the BBC, Ngoma said the group's forces were present "in eastern Congo, particularly in areas occupied by M23 and Rwanda," adding that this is where their troops are generally deployed.

However, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, dismissed the claim as misinformation promoted by the Congolese government.

In an interview with the Agasaro Kaburaga media platform, Nduhungirehe argued that FDLR fighters continue to operate alongside the Congolese military in both North Kivu and South Kivu.

"That is a false narrative from the Congolese government. Some FDLR members have been integrated into the national army, and they fight alongside FARDC in both North Kivu and South Kivu. This is well known," he said.

The minister further accused Kinshasa of repeatedly changing its position regarding the FDLR, noting that Congolese officials had previously described the group as consisting of elderly men incapable of fighting or, at times, even questioned its existence.