Rwanda rejects DRC–FDLR deal, insists group must be dismantled

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe has firmly rejected the idea of opening political space for the FDLR, stressing that the group is a terrorist organization composed of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He stated that FDLR must be dismantled, in line with the Washington peace agreements signed in 2025, which require its fighters to be repatriated to Rwanda without conditions.

The DRC government recently announced it had reached an agreement with FDLR to disarm without military force, based on a document signed by FDLR president Victor Byiringiro on May 30, 2026, and presented to President Félix Tshisekedi. Kinshasa described this as progress, saying FDLR fighters would surrender weapons, be placed in secure camps, and reintegrated into civilian life.

Rwanda, however, dismissed the deal as illegitimate, warning that it contradicts regional peace accords. Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized:

“No political platform can be opened for génocidaires. FDLR must be eradicated.”

Meanwhile, FDLR’s political spokesperson Cure Ngoma told BBC Gahuza that the group had set no timeline for disarmament, insisting that “Rwandan refugees” in DRC must first be guaranteed safety and dignity before returning. He added that FDLR seeks eventual participation in Rwanda’s political arena, a demand Kigali categorically rejects.

Reports also indicate ongoing collaboration between FARDC and FDLR, including meetings in Rutshuru and Walikale in June 2026, where strategies were discussed to embed FDLR fighters within pro‑government Wazalendo militias.

Tshisekedi’s administration has also been accused of maintaining ties with Rwandan opposition figures abroad, such as Jean‑Luc Habyarimana, Thomas Nahimana, Fabien Singaye, and Thaddée Kwitonda.