A political analyst says that the capture of the FDLR fighter known as “Tokyo” is a proof that this terrorist group remains a problem for Rwanda, as the country has always maintained, as well as for the surrounding region.
The fighter, whose real name us reportedly Yoweri but is widely known as Tokyo, was born in the former Kivuye Commune, now part of Burera District in the Northern Province.
The arrest was first reported at the end of last week and was confirmed by the Vice Governor of Kivu province under the AFC/M23 administration, Manzi Willy, in a message posted on the social media platform X
In his statement, Manzi said: “Another notorious combatant has been captured, marking a significant loss for Kinshasa. One of the FDLR’s senior figures, known as Tokyo (real name Yoweri, from Kivuye in western Rwanda), was captured by AFC/M23 forces in a location called Muzimu (“Ghost”) in Masisi, North Kivu.
Tokyo is a man of great cruelty. Alongside others such as Jean-Marie of Nyatura, Tiger, and Ignace Dunia, he was responsible for horrific acts including rape, murder, and the burning of countless homes. His capture represents one of the most significant blows to the FDLR leadership.
True its professionalism, AFC/M23 handled the situation with discipline. Although Tokyo was wounded in the leg, he was treated and safely evacuated by AFC/M23 forces, a striking display of humanity towards someone responsible for thousands of orphans and victims of sexual violence.
He added: “In areas under AFC/M23 control, groups like the FDLR and other armed factions have no chance. The safety and protection of the civilian population remains the top priority of AFC/M23.
Eric Ndushabandi, a political analyst, stated that the arrest of this FDLR combatant, following the capture of Ntampuhwe, comes after the arrests of other senior members of this group opposing Rwanda.
He said: “There are other senior FDLR military leaders who have been captured, and many were well-known in the country during the genocide and beyond. If you look at the names of senior FDLR leaders, this one called ‘Tokyo’ is not a usual name, but it shows how the leadership changes names, meaning in the future we may see other ‘Tokyos’ and others.”
Ndushabandi explained that the capture of this fighter, along with those before him, is a strong message to those who doubt what Rwanda has long said, that the FDLR exists and collaborates with the Kinshasa government.
He added: “This is a message that confirms what the Rwandan government has always said: the FDLR is a problem in the region, a problem even for Congolese themselves, who welcome people responsible for the genocide against the Tutsi in this country, perpetuate those ideologies, and spread them, even teaching Congolese born there [Hutu Congolese].”
He further noted that besides indoctrinating people with genocide ideology, the FDLR has contributed to the creation of other groups such as Mai-Mai and Nyatura, which have also continued committing extreme acts of violence against Congolese Tutsi civilians.
In early March this year, another senior FDLR member, Brigadier General Jean Baptiste Gakwerere, who was Secretary-General of this terrorist group, was handed over to Rwanda along with 13 other fighters.
The Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Washington, D.C., United States, stipulates that the FDLR must be completely dismantled. However, the Kinshasa authorities continue to ignore this requirement.
RADIOTV10
