The FDLR is still active and receiving support from the DRC, making the signing of a final agreement between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi before the end of 2025 uncertain, according to Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, stated that a permanent agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) requiring the signatures of Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi is difficult to finalize before the end of 2025. He pointed out that the Congolese authorities continue to show limited political will.
Minister Nduhungirehe made these remarks during an interview with the French International Radio (RIF) when asked about the current state of relations between Rwanda and DRC and the progress in implementing the Washington agreements.
On June 27, 2025, the governments of Rwanda and DRC signed a peace agreement in Washington, outlining measures to resolve ongoing tensions. The DRC was asked to dismantle the FDLR rebel group, while Rwanda was asked to remove certain security measures. The agreement, signed by foreign ministers, was supposed to be followed by a final endorsement by the presidents of both countries. However, the signing has been repeatedly delayed.
Asked if there was hope the deal could be finalized before Christmas 2025, Nduhungirehe said it remains unlikely due to the lack of political will from Kinshasa. He noted, “There is a 90-day timetable under CONOPS, but all depends on political will to dismantle FDLR. Without that will, nothing can be done.”
Despite claims from the Congolese authorities that FDLR combatants have begun disarming, Nduhungirehe dismissed these as false. “FDLR is still active and being supported by Kinshasa. They have not been dismantled as stipulated in the Washington peace agreement.”
The minister added that statements by FDLR leaders themselves confirm they are not ready to lay down arms and intend to fight until the last moment. “FDLR remains, and it continues to be supported by Kinshasa. What we need is their full dismantling, as agreed in Washington.”
Regarding the joint security mechanism designed to dismantle FDLR, Nduhungirehe said there have been four rounds of talks among its members to plan implementation, but the group remains active.
On when operations to dismantle FDLR might begin, he said discussions are ongoing and stressed that real progress depends entirely on Kinshasa’s political commitment.
Finally, he noted that Rwanda is prepared to lift its security measures once the threat posed by FDLR is eliminated, in accordance with the Washington agreements, but until then, concerns over national security remain paramount.
RADIOTV10
