Great Lakes Contact Group Urges DRC to Act on FDLR Disarmament Protocol
KIGALI, Rwanda – Members of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes region have called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to move quickly to implement a recently signed protocol on the disarmament, demobilization and cantonment of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The call was made in a joint statement issued by the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. France currently chairs the ICG.
The group welcomed the announcement by the Congolese government on 28 July that a faction of the FDLR had formally accepted and signed the disarmament, demobilization and cantonment protocol.
However, the ICG said the signing must now be followed by concrete action.
It urged the Congolese authorities to quickly develop an operational plan and realistic timeline for effectively neutralizing the FDLR, in line with commitments made under the Washington Agreements, the Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS) of October 31, 2024, and the Washington Agreement of June 27, 2025.
DRC Urged to Clarify Implementation
The ICG stressed that implementation of the protocol by the Congolese government will be crucial to the credibility of the process.
It also called on the DRC to clarify how it intends to address impunity, as provided for in the protocol, and urged the government to work with MONUSCO as a key partner in implementing the agreement.
The group further warned against any arrangement that would involve cooperation between Congolese forces and FDLR elements.
According to the statement, any colocation or operational collaboration with FDLR elements would be inconsistent with commitments made under the Washington Accords.
At the same time, the ICG said it remains ready to welcome concrete steps by either the DRC or Rwanda in fulfilment of commitments made through the ongoing peace process.
Call for Continued Peace Efforts
The Contact Group called on all parties to the Washington Accords and Doha Framework, as well as participants in other mediation initiatives, including those led by the African Union, to continue working toward implementation of their commitments.
It also reminded all parties of their obligation to protect civilians, comply with UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and immediately work to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Prisoner Exchange Welcomed
The ICG also welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23 as an important confidence-building measure.
The group specifically commended the recent transfer, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), of individuals released by the Congolese authorities to AFC/M23.
The ICG described the transfer as a positive step toward reducing tensions and building trust between the parties to the conflict.
The group finally called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and guarantee full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access so that essential assistance can reach civilians affected by the conflict.
The statement comes as regional and international actors continue to push for implementation of the commitments reached through the Washington and Doha peace processes, with the protection of civilians and the neutralization of armed groups remaining central to efforts to restore lasting stability in the Great Lakes region.
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