Rwanda's Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, has expressed concerns that a special agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the FDLR rebel group may hinder efforts to disarm the group. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the security situation in DRC, Ngoga said the agreement may delay the implementation of a resolution to disarm the FDLR. He emphasized that the agreement should not be seen as a replacement for the group's disarmament.
The FDLR, a rebel group accused of genocide and other human rights abuses, has been a source of tension between Rwanda and DRC. Ngoga said the group continues to operate in eastern DRC, despite a 2009 agreement, known as the Washington Agreement, which aimed to disarm and reintegrate the group. He accused DRC of not doing enough to disarm the group, and instead, allowing it to continue operating.
According to Ngoga, the Washington Agreement, along with CONOPS and OPORD, outlined specific tasks that both parties must fulfill, including disarming the FDLR. He said the agreement established a mechanism to monitor and verify the disarmament process. However, Ngoga expressed concerns that DRC's deal with the FDLR may undermine these efforts.
DRC, on the other hand, says its negotiations with the FDLR and plans to disarm and reintegrate its fighters are part of implementing the Washington Agreement. Kinshasa says it has committed to disarming the FDLR and has made progress in this regard. However, Rwanda disputes this, saying the group's continued operations in eastern DRC pose a threat to its security.
Ngoga said Rwanda has taken steps to reduce its military presence in the region, in line with the Washington Agreement. He proposed establishing a joint monitoring mechanism with DRC and the international community to verify the disarmament process. He emphasized the need for a transparent and verifiable process to ensure the FDLR's disarmament.
The UN Security Council has expressed concern over the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC. Reports indicate that the group continues to operate in areas such as Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Walikale. Ngoga said Rwanda has provided evidence of the group's continued activities to the Joint Oversight Committee and Joint Security Coordination Mechanism.
Ngoga emphasized that disarming the FDLR and addressing the security concerns it poses is a critical component of the Washington Agreement. He called for the international community to support efforts to disarm the group and ensure its reintegration into civilian life. The outcome of these efforts will determine the future of relations between Rwanda and DRC.
Key points
- Rwanda's ambassador to the UN says a deal between Congo and the FDLR rebel group may undermine efforts to disarm the group.
