The UN Security Council has welcomed recent advances in the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including a protocol to neutralize the Rwandan Hutu rebel group FDLR. However, the council has also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the region. This call was made during a meeting where the council reviewed the situation in the DRC and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
In a statement read by French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafort, who is the president of the Security Council for October, members urged the full, immediate, and unconditional implementation of Resolution 2773, adopted in 2025. This resolution likely addresses the situation in the DRC and the activities of various groups in the region, including the FDLR and the M23 rebel group.
The Security Council took note of a letter from the DRC, dated September 24, 2026, regarding the disarmament, demobilization, release, recovery, and reintegration (DDRRR) process for the FDLR, and its extension to all FDLR groups. The council also acknowledged a protocol aimed at effectively neutralizing the FDLR and called for its rapid implementation.
The council reiterated its appeal to the Rwandan Defense Forces to cease all support to the M23 rebel group and to withdraw immediately and without condition from eastern DRC. This demand reflects ongoing concerns about the involvement of Rwandan troops in the conflict and their impact on regional stability.
The situation in eastern DRC remains complex, with multiple armed groups operating in the region. The FDLR, a Rwandan Hutu rebel group, has been active in the area for many years, and its neutralization is seen as a key element in stabilizing the region. The M23, another rebel group, has also been involved in the conflict, often with support from neighboring countries.
The UN Security Council's call for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC underscores the international community's commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The council's emphasis on the implementation of Resolution 2773 and the neutralization of the FDLR reflects a broader effort to address the root causes of the conflict and promote stability in the region.
The situation in DRC will likely continue to be a focus of international attention, with ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The UN Security Council's statement serves as a reminder of the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the DRC and its neighbors.
Key points
- The UN Security Council demands the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC.
- The council welcomes progress in the peace process, including a protocol to neutralize the FDLR rebel group.
- The situation in eastern DRC remains complex, with multiple armed groups operating in the region.
