AFC/M23 claims FARDC seen fighting alongside FDLR despite disarmament pledge

Eastern DRC, April 1, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition has accused the Congolese army (FARDC) of operating alongside FDLR fighters just days after government announcements that operations had begun to dismantle the armed group. The allegations come shortly after the DRC military declared on March 29, 2026, that it had launched efforts to disarm the FDLR and compel its fighters to surrender voluntarily or by force. Deputy Chief of Staff of the FARDC, Lt. Gen. Nduru Jacques Ychaligonza, had stated that troops deployed in eastern regions would prioritize disarmament operations while aiming to avoid bloodshed. However, AFC/M23 later alleged that government forces were seen collaborating with FDLR units on active front lines, calling it a violation of ceasefire commitments and recent peace understandings. The group further claimed that joint FARDC-FDLR activity has contributed to civilian casualties in ongoing clashes, and accused Kinshasa of failing to implement agreed security measures. The Congolese government has not independently confirmed these allegations. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding implementation of the Washington D.C. peace agreement, which includes provisions requiring the dismantling of the FDLR as part of broader regional security commitments.