Congo, Rwanda Clash Over Rebel Disarmament Plan

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have disagreed over a new protocol signed with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), exposing fresh differences over the implementation of a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending conflict in eastern Congo.

Congo’s government announced that the FDLR had signed a protocol committing to disarmament, demobilisation and relocation to designated cantonment sites. Officials described the agreement as an important step towards fulfilling commitments made under the peace accord signed with Rwanda last year.

A copy of the protocol seen by Reuters shows the FDLR agreeing in principle to surrender its weapons under conditions that include security guarantees and protection from forced extradition to Rwanda. The document, however, does not specify the number of fighters involved, the location of the proposed cantonment sites or the timetable for implementing the disarmament process.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the protocol was consistent with the Washington-brokered peace agreement and demonstrated Congo’s commitment to restoring stability in the country’s conflict-affected eastern region.

Rwanda rejected that position, arguing that the protocol was inconsistent with the peace deal. Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described the arrangement as a delaying tactic, maintaining that the agreement required the FDLR to be neutralised rather than engaged through negotiations.

The FDLR, founded by ethnic Hutu fighters that include individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has remained a major source of tension between the neighbouring countries. Rwanda accuses Congo of cooperating with the armed group, while Kinshasa continues to accuse Kigali of supporting the AFC/M23 rebel movement. Neither side announced further diplomatic measures following the disagreement.

SOURCE: Reuters