RDF reveals FDLR has around 10,000 fighters

This figure indicates that the group, formed by the remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, remains active, despite the DRC government’s previous claim that it no longer poses a threat.

Speaking to IGIHE, Brig Gen Rwivanga stated that the FDLR fighters are estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000, and that “they always blend in with civilians whenever they are attacked.”

He added that the fighters are spread across different areas, including North Kivu, South Kivu, and the Kibira Forest in Burundi.

Those based in North Kivu are the ones most involved in destabilising the northern and western regions of Rwanda. The Kibira Forest, on the other hand, has often been used by elements attempting to destabilise Rwanda from Burundi.

In 2021, 15 fighters from the FLN (National Liberation Front), who had crossed into Rwanda through the Kibira Forest and launched an attack in Bweyeye Sector in Rusizi District, were ambushed by the RDF. Some were killed in the operation.

This incident followed earlier attacks in the same area where the fighters had set up roadblocks, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians.

Brig Gen Rwivanga emphasised that the FDLR has posed a security threat to Rwanda for many years and has launched multiple attacks since 2022, including in Kinigi and Rubavu Districts.

In March and May 2022, the DRC army, in collaboration with FDLR fighters, carried out attacks on Rwandan soil in the sectors of Kinigi and Nyange in Musanze District, as well as Gahunga Sector in Burera District. The attacks injured civilians and damaged property.

During the same period, other incidents occurred, including the abduction of two Rwandan soldiers on patrol—a joint operation carried out by FARDC (the Congolese army) and FDLR.

In May this year, Rwanda received nearly 2,000 Rwandan nationals who had been held hostage by the terrorist group FDLR.

Despite Rwanda repeatedly raising concerns about the threat posed by the FDLR, the DRC has consistently ignored these warnings. This has led to heightened tensions, with Rwanda accusing the neighbouring country of actively collaborating with the FDLR to launch attacks aimed at toppling the Rwandan government.

Brig Gen Rwivanga concluded by stressing that war cannot resolve security issues, and urged the DRC to pursue political and diplomatic solutions and to end its collaboration with the FDLR.

The issue of the FDLR is one of the key concerns that Rwanda has raised with mediators involved in addressing regional security challenges, during discussions held in Doha and Washington. Rwanda maintains that the DRC must end its cooperation with the group, designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, which continues to undermine the security of both countries.

The Spokesperson of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, has revealed that the FDLR militia group operating in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) currently has between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters.