Rwandan President Paul Kagame has criticised recent efforts to disarm the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), describing them as “superficial” and warning that Kigali will remain concerned as long as the armed group continues to operate.
Speaking at a press conference in Kigali on Monday, August 24, Kagame questioned initiatives involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the FDLR, saying they had failed to address what he considers the root causes of the threat.
Asked about a recently announced disarmament protocol, Kagame said he had yet to see any initiative that adequately tackled the underlying issues.
“It’s always superficial,” he said, without directly referring to the latest protocol.
The FDLR was largely formed by former Rwandan soldiers and militia members linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The group has operated for decades in eastern DRC.
Rwanda regards the FDLR as a major security threat and has repeatedly called for its neutralisation.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has also criticised the latest protocol, describing it as a “political manoeuvre” and an attempt by Kinshasa to delay action against the group.
He said dismantling the FDLR was among the commitments undertaken by the DRC under the Washington peace agreement, arguing that the latest protocol did not adequately fulfil that obligation.
Kagame said Rwanda would continue to closely monitor developments because of the direct security implications for his country.
“As long as the problem is not resolved, Rwanda will remain concerned,” he said.
His remarks reinforce Kigali’s long-standing position that efforts to address armed groups in eastern Congo must also take into account Rwanda’s security concerns over the FDLR.
Kagame also criticised international sanctions imposed on Rwanda over the conflict in eastern Congo, arguing that the measures were creating additional difficulties rather than helping to resolve the crisis.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to end the conflict in eastern DRC, with negotiations involving Kinshasa, the AFC/M23 and regional and international mediators seeking a lasting political settlement.
Kagame’s latest position indicates that the FDLR remains a key sticking point in efforts to improve relations between Rwanda and the DRC and secure lasting peace in the volatile eastern region.
