Rwandan President Paul Kagame has criticized recent efforts to disarm the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), describing them as “superficial” and warning that Rwanda will remain concerned as long as the armed group operates in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking at a press conference in Kigali on Monday, August 24, Kagame said recent initiatives had failed to address what Rwanda considers the underlying causes of the FDLR threat. “It’s always superficial,” Kagame said when asked about a recently announced disarmament protocol. The FDLR was formed largely by remnants of forces and militias linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which claimed the lives of more than 800,000 people, according to UN estimates. The group has operated in eastern Congo for decades and remains a major security concern for Kigali.
Rwanda has repeatedly accused the Congolese government of failing to neutralize the FDLR, while Kinshasa has rejected accusations that it deliberately supports the group. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has also criticized the latest disarmament protocol, calling it a political manoeuvre that could delay action against the FDLR. Kigali says dismantling the group is among the security commitments contained in the Washington peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The FDLR issue is closely linked to the wider conflict in eastern Congo, where the AFC/M23 rebel movement controls significant territory in North and South Kivu. Rwanda has been accused by the DRC and UN experts of supporting M23, allegations Kigali denies. Rwanda says its military actions are driven by threats from armed groups, particularly the FDLR.
Kagame also criticised international sanctions imposed on Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the eastern Congo conflict, arguing that such measures create additional problems rather than helping resolve the crisis. His comments come as diplomatic efforts continue through several peace initiatives involving Rwanda, the DRC, M23 and international mediators. For Kigali, the FDLR remains a central security issue. Kagame’s latest remarks indicate that any lasting settlement in eastern Congo will likely require a credible agreement on the group’s disarmament and the broader security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC.
