US Urges DRC to Stop FDLR Operations in Eastern Congo

Washington, January 22, 2026 - Senior US State Department officials have called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to prevent the FDLR terrorist group from operating in its eastern provinces, citing ongoing security risks for Rwanda and the region.

Sarah Troutman, a senior US official overseeing African affairs, told lawmakers that the FDLR, responsible for multiple attacks and linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, must not be allowed to operate in eastern DRC.

“The FDLR is a proven problem. It should not be allowed to operate in eastern DRC,” Troutman said during a session of US lawmakers monitoring developments in Africa.

The remarks came amid concerns that the DRC army continues to cooperate with the FDLR, in violation of the Washington-brokered peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025, which called for the group’s dismantling and for the removal of Rwandan security measures along the border.

US Representative Sarah Jacobs noted:

“On the part of the DRC army, they are said to continue working with the FDLR, a group founded by the organizers of the Genocide in Rwanda in 1994, in violation of the peace agreement.”

Rwandan Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, reiterated that Rwanda’s security measures remain in place because the FDLR continues to receive support from elements within the DRC and poses a direct threat to Rwandan security.

The Washington Accords require the DRC to dismantle the FDLR and repatriate its fighters. However, recent reports indicate ongoing support to the group. On November 28, 2025, the DRC reportedly sent the FDLR and allied groups three tons of ammunition and three tons of food, followed by additional ammunition on January 14, 2026, allegedly to fight against the AFC/M23 rebel group.

Troutman emphasized that the dismantling of the FDLR is critical to regional stability and urged the DRC government to take “concrete steps” to comply with its commitments.

“We remind the DRC government that dismantling the FDLR as agreed is very important, and we want to see more concrete steps taken,” she said.

The continued presence and support of the FDLR in eastern DRC underscore the fragile security situation and highlight the challenges facing the implementation of the Washington peace agreement.