The Rwandan government has expressed concerns over a recent protocol signed by the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed at disarming the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). According to Rwanda's ambassador to the UN, Martin Ngoga, the protocol does not align with the commitments made under the Washington Peace Agreement. The agreement requires the neutralization of FDLR militants, which Rwanda believes must be effective, complete, and verifiable.
Ambassador Ngoga made these remarks during a UN Security Council meeting on September 29, which focused on the situation in the DRC and the MONUSCO mission. He emphasized that the Washington Peace Agreement and the concept of operations (CONOPS) and operational order (OPORD) already outline clear obligations and operational modalities for neutralizing the FDLR. Rwanda's concerns stem from the DRC's engagement with FDLR militants, including a recent protocol signed on August 29, 2026.
The FDLR militants have been a longstanding security concern for Rwanda, with the group having an ideology that promotes genocide and having carried out attacks against Rwanda in the past. Ambassador Ngoga stressed that the continued presence of FDLR militants in eastern DRC, their genocidal ideology, and the support they receive from the DRC government pose a direct and existential threat to Rwanda's security.
The DRC and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington on June 27, 2025, which included commitments to neutralize the FDLR and lift defensive measures. However, the two countries have divergent views on the interpretation and implementation of these commitments. The DRC has proposed a protocol for the disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment of FDLR militants, which Rwanda sees as an attempt to reinterpret or replace existing commitments.
Rwanda's ambassador to the UN emphasized that the neutralization of FDLR militants is not a secondary issue, but a fundamental security commitment under the Washington Peace Agreement. He called for the international community to support the implementation of this commitment, stressing that a lasting peace between Rwanda and the DRC depends on it.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with ongoing hostilities, mutual accusations of ceasefire violations, and divergent interpretations of the obligations of Kinshasa and Kigali. The UN Security Council has been closely monitoring the situation, with a focus on supporting the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The DRC government has reaffirmed its commitment to honoring its engagements under the Washington Peace Agreement, despite Rwanda's concerns. The two countries are set to hold a conference in October to review the implementation of their security commitments. The international community is expected to play a key role in supporting the implementation of these commitments and promoting a lasting peace between Rwanda and the DRC.
Key points
- Rwanda requires the neutralization of FDLR militants to be effective, complete, and verifiable.
