Following the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, it is now time to implement measures to restore peace in the east of the country. A key focus is the FDLR rebel group, which claims to be liberating Rwanda. Justicia ASBL, an independent NGO, calls for a special commission to resolve the issue swiftly.
“These agreements inspire hope and doubt—they appear to be tools that can be refined to bring peace back to the Great Lakes region. It’s time for the FDLR matter to be addressed impartially, transparently, and purposefully. That’s why we demand a dedicated mechanism to thoroughly assess this issue,” states Justicia ASBL in a press release issued this Wednesday.
Justicia ASBL outlines the commission’s mandate, including tracing the location and numbers of FDLR fighters with the aim of voluntary repatriation to Rwanda.
The commission should also:
Identify FDLR positions, their numbers, and arms inventory;
Encourage voluntary assembly and repatriation to Rwanda;
Implement reintegration programs in Rwanda with support from UNHCR, OCHA, the UN Human Rights Office, and relevant NGOs;
Establish demobilization channels with security guarantees and clear reintegration policies;
Monitor basic rights for all involved, avoiding blanket accusations—especially for those born post-1994 genocide or as minors;
Include impartial representatives from DRC, Rwanda, the US, Qatar, the EU, and specialized bodies, says Timothée Mbuya.
Also, Justicia ASBL indicates that Rwanda could reintegrate FDLR fighters who return voluntarily.
They conclude: “In short, there is no real political will from DRC or Rwanda—without coordinated regional and international action, the FDLR issue will remain a pretext to continue conflict in the east.”
The June 27 peace agreement mandates that FDLR be dismantled within three months, with joint action from both countries if needed. Rwandan troops must also remove any defensive positions if the FDLR matter is resolved.
