Rwanda Receives 15 FDLR Fighters and Their Families from DRC

Rubavu, January 27, 2026 - The Government of Rwanda has received 15 FDLR fighters along with 19 family members from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fighters were initially temporarily housed by MONUSCO, the United Nations Mission in the DRC, which oversees the rehabilitation of former combatants.

The group crossed into Rwanda through Rubavu District on January 27, 2026. The fighters are scheduled to be transferred to the Rwandan Reintegration Commission (RDRC) facility in Mutobo, Musanze District, for reintegration programs.

Earlier in January, Rwanda received 13 FDLR fighters and six family members on January 20, followed by another 14 individuals, including eight fighters from the group’s special forces unit (CRAP), three days later.

MONUSCO reports that since the AFC/M23 coalition took control of Goma in January 2025, the number of FDLR fighters returning to Rwanda has increased, with nearly 300 having returned so far. The fighters are returning in small groups as Rwanda awaits the DRC army to launch operations to dismantle the terrorist group, as outlined in the peace agreement signed in Washington D.C. on June 27, 2025.

As of June 2025, the FDLR had an estimated 7,000-10,000 fighters, with most, including senior leaders, based in Walikale and Masisi Territories in North Kivu Province.