Rwanda raises concerns over Burundian forces and FDLR in DR Congo

Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, has voiced strong concerns about the continued presence and activities of Burundian forces and the FDLR militia in eastern DR Congo. She highlighted these as major obstacles to achieving lasting peace in the region during a right of reply at the UN Human Rights Council on June 17.

Bakuramutsa rejected accusations made by Burundi and DR Congo against Rwanda, emphasizing that these did not reflect the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' remarks on the volatile situation. She stated that over 10,000 Burundian soldiers are deployed alongside the FARDC (Congolese army), FDLR, Wazalendo, and foreign mercenaries engaged by Kinshasa. Field reports have documented severe abuses, including sexual violence and arbitrary detention, committed by Burundian forces against civilians.

The envoy reiterated Rwanda's long-standing security concerns regarding the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite UN Security Council guidance for its neutralization and commitments made in peace agreements, the FDLR continues to be armed, coordinated, and integrated into the Congolese armed forces. Bakuramutsa also noted that DR Congo cooperates with other militias such as Wazalendo and CODECO.

Rwanda maintains that peace in eastern DR Congo is unattainable without addressing its root causes, particularly the presence of the FDLR and other armed groups. Rwandan officials have consistently argued that sustainable peace requires the effective neutralization of the FDLR and the implementation of regional and international peace initiatives rather than military solutions or false accusations. Bakuramutsa stressed that the Congolese government's continued arming and coordination with militias undermine any claims of pursuing peace.