Why dialogue with the FDLR isn't an option for Rwanda

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Congolese refugees fleeing clashes in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo arrive at the Rugerero transit camp in Gisenyi on January 28, 2025. [AFP]

Congolese minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni recently presented an official protocol for the ‘demobilisation and disarmament’ of FDLR militia to international interlocutors.

The protocol was countersigned by the militia's political leader, Gaston Iyamuremye, alias Victor Byiringiro framing the move as a ‘voluntary surrender’ that strips Rwanda of its security justifications in the region.

Kinshasa demands that to ‘fully implement’ the Washington peace process, Kigali must enter into direct political dialogue with the militia after what the Congolese side presented as the culmination of a process of voluntary surrender of their partners.