The Government of Rwanda has denied reports alleging that FDLR fighters are present in areas controlled by the M23 rebel group, stating that such claims are unfounded since those fighters have already been integrated into the Congolese national army.
This was revealed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, in an interview with Jeune Afrique.
The interview followed the peace agreement signed last week between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mediated by the United States of America.
One of the key points in the agreement is the commitment by the DRC government to dismantle the FDLR armed group, which would in turn lead to Rwanda lifting its “defensive measures.”
Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized that the FDLR must be dismantled, particularly since even the DRC government acknowledges that it poses a threat—despite having integrated it into the national army.
He said: “The FDLR is supported by the Congolese government, and has even been integrated into FARDC. Even UN reports confirm this. Rwanda is not the only one saying it… The FDLR must be dismantled. The DRC government agrees that it is a threat that must be addressed, which will pave the way to lift our defensive posture.”
However, Minister Nduhungirehe firmly denied allegations that FDLR fighters are present in areas controlled by the M23, particularly in North Kivu.
He stated: “FDLR is not in M23-held areas because they were integrated into Congo’s army and work together with Congolese forces.”
“How can one claim that FDLR is in areas controlled by M23? FDLR collaborates with FARDC. Is FARDC in M23 territory? The reason is that FDLR is now part of FARDC and they cooperate. So saying FDLR is present in M23-controlled areas makes no sense to me.”
When asked about the current whereabouts of the FDLR, Minister Nduhungirehe said that this responsibility does not fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but rather a joint intelligence committee between Rwandan and Congolese defense forces.
Rwandan Defense Forces Spokesperson, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, recently stated that the FDLR has between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters spread across North and South Kivu provinces, and also within Burundi’s Kibira Forest.
