Rwanda’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ernest Rwamucyo, expressed concerns over the UN Security Council’s recent report on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), arguing that it overlooked the ongoing collaboration between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the terrorist group FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda).
The report, which was presented to Security Council members on September 30, 2024, focused on security issues in eastern DRC, including the activities of the M23 rebel group in North Kivu and the outcomes of the Luanda talks aimed at de-escalating conflict in the region.
However, Ambassador Rwamucyo criticized the report for its omission of the FARDC’s alleged ties with the FDLR, which he described as a serious threat to both regional stability and Rwanda’s national security.
“The absence of the FDLR in this report is alarming, especially when compared to M23 and the ADF [Allied Democratic Forces], which were mentioned three times more frequently,” said Rwamucyo. “This report ignores the fact that the cooperation between FARDC and FDLR not only endangers regional security but also poses a direct risk to Rwanda.”
Rwamucyo stressed that the failure to address the FARDC-FDLR collaboration casts doubt on the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Security Council’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the region. He pointed out that during the Luanda discussions on September 14, 2024, DRC officials rejected a joint strategy proposed by Angola to dismantle the FDLR, despite agreement from security experts.
“This strategy was backed by the DRC’s own security officials, alongside experts from Rwanda and Angola,” the ambassador stated. “It is deeply troubling that the DRC government has refused to engage in efforts to restore peace and security, while the international community remains silent on this issue.”
Rwamucyo called on the DRC to halt any collaboration with the FDLR, cease providing military support to the group, and agree to a comprehensive plan to dismantle the organization. He also emphasized the need for the DRC to prepare for the repatriation of Congolese refugees as part of the peace process.
In contrast, the DRC’s ambassador to the UN, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, downplayed the significance of the FDLR and the spread of hate speech in the region, instead highlighting what he described as the more pressing issue of natural resource exploitation by the M23 rebel group.
Meanwhile, Rwamucyo reiterated Rwanda’s support for Angola’s efforts to address the root causes of regional instability, underscoring that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to the ongoing conflict.
