The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has requested that the United Nations expand the mandate of its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, to include overseeing the disarmament of the FDLR rebel group. This request was made by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Congo's representative to the UN, during a meeting of the UN Security Council. The goal is to ensure the group's disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration into civilian life.
The request comes as MONUSCO's current mandate is set to expire in December 2026. Congo's government wants the UN to grant MONUSCO a specific mandate to oversee the implementation of a plan to disarm FDLR fighters and return them to Rwanda. The plan is part of a broader effort to address the security challenges posed by the FDLR, which Congo and Rwanda have identified as a key source of instability in the region.
Ambassador Mukongo Ngay emphasized that Congo is committed to implementing the agreements signed in Washington, including those related to the disarmament of FDLR. He noted that his government has already taken steps to facilitate the voluntary disarmament of FDLR fighters and has signed an agreement with the group on April 30, 2026, aimed at disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating its fighters.
According to Ambassador Mukongo Ngay, some FDLR factions have already expressed willingness to disarm and participate in the reintegration program. On August 29, 2026, several groups, including CNRD, Ubuyunge, FNL, FPP, Abajiaruk Gamba, and Urunana, publicly committed to participating in the disarmament program. Congo's government has informed the UN Security Council of these developments and has requested that MONUSCO provide support for the disarmament process.
The FDLR has been a source of tension between Congo and Rwanda, with Rwanda accusing Congo of not doing enough to disarm the group. Congo's government has denied these allegations, saying it is committed to addressing the security challenges posed by the FDLR. The group is considered a key source of instability in the region and has been linked to various human rights abuses.
MONUSCO has been deployed in Congo since 1999, with a mandate to protect civilians, support humanitarian efforts, and monitor the disarmament of armed groups. The mission has faced challenges in recent years, including criticism from Rwanda and other regional actors over its effectiveness in addressing security challenges in the region.
The UN Security Council is expected to consider Congo's request to expand MONUSCO's mandate when it reviews the mission's mandate in December 2026. Key points include: Congo's request for an enhanced MONUSCO mandate to oversee FDLR disarmament, the group's history of violence and human rights abuses, and the need for international support to ensure the success of the disarmament program.
Key points
- Congo seeks expanded MONUSCO mandate to disarm FDLR
- FDLR is a key source of instability in the region
- MONUSCO's mandate is set to expire in December 2026
