DRC: Suminwa rejects FDLR as a pretext for foreign military presence

The head of government cited the repatriation on September 8, with the support of MONUSCO, of 120 individuals associated with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. She presented this as the first implementation of the protocol signed on May 30 by the political and military leadership of the movement.

This protocol outlines the disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment of fighters for their repatriation or relocation. Judith Suminwa clarified that individuals suspected of serious crimes would remain subject to legal prosecution.

However, the Rwandan government disputes the significance of this initiative, which Kigali has labeled a “non-event,” arguing that it does not adhere to the security commitments made between the two countries. Rwanda views the FDLR as a threat to its security and conditions the lifting of its “defensive measures” on their neutralization. Security Council Resolution 2773 calls for both the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC and the cessation of any Congolese support for the FDLR.

Judith Suminwa urged that the processes in Washington, Doha, and the African Union be coordinated around a specific timeline, with independent verification and regular information sharing. No public timeline has yet been announced for the complete disarmament of the FDLR or the withdrawal of foreign forces.