RDC Begins Accepting FDLR Surrenders Amid Tensions with AFC/M23

KINSHASA, DRC - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have begun receiving surrenders from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), signaling a potential end to military operations against the group, which has initiated a process of disarmament.

FARDC spokesperson, Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, called on FDLR fighters on October 10, 2025, to surrender either to Congolese authorities or to the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. He warned that those refusing to comply would face military action, in accordance with the Washington Peace Agreement signed in June.

During the third meeting of the Joint Rwanda-DRC Security Council in Washington on October 21-22, officials from both countries, alongside U.S. and observer representatives, confirmed that while most FDLR fighters had yet to disarm, some had started the process, according to General Ekenge.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle journalist Wendy Bashi, General Ekenge stated that “the FDLR have followed the instructions of the Congolese army.” He added that the group is currently located in areas controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, which has hindered their ability to reach Congolese authorities or MONUSCO to formally surrender.

“Others have prevented them from laying down their arms,” General Ekenge said. “They want to surrender, but obstacles in AFC/M23-controlled zones have delayed this process.” He added that FARDC would continue its campaign to facilitate the group’s surrender.

The general acknowledged that the reasons behind AFC/M23’s obstruction remain unclear but reaffirmed the army’s commitment to encouraging FDLR fighters to disarm. “We are carrying out the tasks assigned to us. We have conducted a campaign within the FDLR to urge surrender, and we will continue,” he said.

Tensions persist over the implementation of the Washington Agreement, which includes provisions for information sharing on FDLR operations and affiliates. Rwanda and the DRC had agreed to exchange intelligence on potential threats, military capabilities, locations of units, and weaponry.

In July 2025, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe reported that some FDLR combatants had been recruited into the Congolese army and Wazalendo, with their positions known to Kigali. “We have all the information on the FDLR, including their locations and units. They cannot feign ignorance,” Nduhungirehe said.

Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), when listing 25 Rwandans as terrorists on October 25, indicated that top FDLR leaders remained in Walikale as of October 14. These include FDLR president Gaston Iyamuremye, alias Lt. Gen. Byiringiro Victor, and group leader Pacifique Ntawunga, alias Gen. Omega, both residing in the Buhaya neighborhood of Walikale.

The unfolding situation highlights the complex dynamics between the FDLR, FARDC, and AFC/M23, raising questions about the effective disarmament of the group and the security situation in North Kivu.