Rwanda and DRC to continue talks on FDLR dismantling and regional security

Washington, October 22, 2025 - Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to reconvene next month to discuss joint security measures targeting the FDLR terrorist group, following the third meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington on October 21-22, 2025.

The meeting, which reviewed progress in implementing the June peace agreement, focused on strategies to dismantle the FDLR, exchange intelligence, and assess potential security challenges posed by the group. The United States Department of State reported that discussions included plans to encourage FDLR fighters to lay down their arms and be transferred to Rwanda before military operations commence to neutralize remaining threats.

The fourth JSCM meeting is scheduled for November 19-20, 2025, where representatives from both countries will evaluate progress and address emerging obstacles.

On October 10, the DRC military called on all FDLR fighters to surrender either to the Congolese government or to the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), a step meant to facilitate their repatriation to Rwanda. At the time of the third JSCM meeting, however, FDLR fighters had not yet complied, highlighting the ongoing challenges of implementing the peace accord.

Military operations against the FDLR are further complicated by the persistent presence of the AFC/M23 coalition in North and South Kivu provinces, where the DRC army has launched intensive strikes, including drone attacks using CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicles.

Both Kigali and Kinshasa reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, emphasizing that the dismantling of the FDLR remains a priority but will require careful coordination and sustained efforts in the coming months.

Economy and Tech.