DRC urged to act on FDLR disarmament protocol

In a joint statement, the group said it had taken note of the DRC government's announcement on July 28 that the FDLR faction had formally accepted and signed the protocol.

The ICG, chaired by France and comprising the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, called on Kinshasa to develop an operational plan and realistic timeline for the effective neutralisation of the FDLR.

It said the process should be aligned with commitments made under the Washington Agreements and the October 31, 2024, Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS), as well as the June 27, 2025 Washington Agreement.

The group also urged the Congolese government to clarify mechanisms for addressing impunity, as provided for in the protocol, and to work closely with the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO in implementing the agreement.

The ICG warned that any co-location or operational collaboration with FDLR elements would contradict commitments made under the Washington Accords.

The group, however, said it was ready to welcome concrete steps by either the DRC or Rwanda towards fulfilling commitments under the ongoing peace process.

It further called on all parties to the Washington Accords and Doha Framework, as well as the various mediation initiatives, including those led by the African Union, to continue implementing their commitments.

The ICG also urged all parties to protect civilians, comply with UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and immediately de-escalate tensions.

The group welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and AFC/M23, describing it as an important confidence-building measure.

It commended a recent transfer facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, involving individuals released by Congolese authorities and transferred to AFC/M23, describing the move as a step in the right direction.

The ICG also called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and guarantee safe, full and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure essential assistance reaches affected populations.