Africa-Press – Rwanda. Congo announced that a Rwandan armed group operating in eastern Congo has signed a protocol committing to disarmament; however, Rwanda rejected this step, claiming it contradicts the peace agreement mediated by the United States between the two countries.
The Congolese government stated that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group founded by fighters from the Hutu ethnic group, some of whom are linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, has signed a protocol regarding disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of forces.
The FDLR is a central issue in the peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda in Washington last year, which aims to end the conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement requires the parties to implement a plan aimed at neutralizing the FDLR and disengaging Rwandan forces in eastern Congo, making progress on this matter a fundamental test of the agreement.
Rwanda has long accused Congo of collaborating with these forces, while Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the rebels of the Congolese Alliance/March 23 Movement, and fighting has continued despite the peace agreement.
A copy of the protocol shows the FDLR’s agreement in principle to disarm, demobilize, and relocate to designated sites as part of a planned process, provided that security guarantees and protection from forced repatriation to Rwanda are offered.
The protocol does not specify the number of fighters involved, the locations for relocation, the timeline for disarmament, or whether any fighters have already surrendered their weapons.
The spokesperson for the Congolese government, Patrick Muyaya, stated that the protocol aligns with the Washington agreement and represents progress toward fulfilling Congo’s commitments. The Rwandan foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, described the protocol as a stalling tactic, stating that the peace agreement requires the neutralization of the FDLR rather than negotiations with them.
