Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva has said the FDLR armed group continues to receive support from the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), warning that its activities remain a major obstacle to lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region.
Nsengiyumva made the remarks during the third Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow from October 28 to 29, 2026, where he represented President Paul Kagame.
The summit brought together African and Russian leaders to discuss cooperation in politics, security, trade, investment and technology.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Rwanda’s experience during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi had reinforced its determination not to compromise on matters affecting national security.
He described the FDLR, an armed group formed by remnants of forces responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi, as a serious threat to Rwanda’s security.
Nsengiyumva maintained that the Congolese government continued to provide support to the group, despite ongoing regional and international peace efforts.
He stressed that resolving the FDLR issue, as provided for in the Washington Accords between Rwanda and DR Congo, was essential to restoring stability.
“Addressing this threat, as provided for in the Washington Accords, is key for peace and security in our region,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called for stronger efforts to combat hate speech, persecution and discrimination targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities in eastern DR Congo.
He said protecting these communities from violence and dehumanising rhetoric was an important part of ensuring the safety of civilians affected by the conflict.
Nsengiyumva emphasised that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, arguing that the political causes of the conflict must also be addressed.
He said Rwanda remained committed to implementing its obligations under the Washington Accords and participating in African Union-led initiatives aimed at resolving security challenges in the region.
The Prime Minister maintained that addressing both the security threats and the political causes of the conflict was necessary to establish lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
RADIOTV10