United States Urges DRC to Dismantle FDLR, Warns of Possible Sanctions

Kigali, April 15, 2026 - By U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce, during a United Nations Security Council session focused on peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

The discussion also featured remarks from Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Robert Kayinamura, who stated that the FDLR remains active in eastern DRC and continues to pose a regional security threat. He also linked the group to its historical origins tied to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, calling for its complete dismantlement.

US position on peace commitments

The U.S. delegation emphasized that the DRC must fulfill its commitments under the peace agreement signed with Rwanda in June 2025, which included provisions for dismantling the armed group. Washington noted that implementation has been delayed despite the agreement.

U.S. officials argued that the continued presence of the FDLR contributes to mistrust between parties and fuels instability in eastern Congo.

“The DRC government must honor its commitments and quickly eliminate the FDLR, at least in the areas it controls. Eliminating these long-standing security concerns is essential to ending the cycle of mistrust that has caused war for many years,” Tammy Bruce said.

Ongoing dispute over presence of armed group

The DRC government has previously argued that FDLR elements are not primarily located in areas under its direct control, stating that some are in territories affected by ongoing conflict involving other armed actors in the east.

However, U.S. officials countered that FDLR presence has also been reported in government-controlled areas, reinforcing the need for immediate action.

Warning of possible sanctions

The United States also warned that it is prepared to use available diplomatic and economic measures if parties are seen to be obstructing peace efforts, including the possibility of targeted sanctions.

The statement reflects growing international pressure on actors in the region to accelerate implementation of existing peace commitments as instability persists in eastern DRC.