A consortium of rights groups warned that the FDLR's continued presence in DR Congo has caused insecurity and forced civilians from their homes in Walikale territory.

The Consortium International pour les Droits Humains au Congo (CIDHC) said the presence of the Kinshasa-backed militia undermines regional peace efforts, including commitments made under the Washington peace agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo.

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FDLR is a Rwandan militia formed by individuals and groups linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The group continues to operate in eastern DR Congo and has been fighting alongside FARDC, Burundian forces, mercenaries and Wazalendo militias in the war with AFC/M23 rebel movement.

In a declaration issued on June 22, CIDHC said information gathered from local communities, traditional leaders and civil society actors points to the presence of heavily armed FDLR elements in Kabingu and Matamba villages in Walikale&039;s Ihana groupement.

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According to the organisation, the fighters have established permanent or semi-permanent positions and move freely across several villages and roads in the area, creating growing concern among residents.

"Their presence is increasingly visible and raises serious concern among civilians, who fear worsening insecurity and new violence," CIDHC said.

"Several indigenous families have been forced to abandon their fields, homes, and agricultural exploitation zones due to intimidation, threats, and violence attributed to these armed elements," the organisation said.

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It warned that the situation could deepen the humanitarian crisis in Walikale, where most households depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

According to the report, testimonies from local communities also point to illegal occupation of land and other abuses that continue to affect daily life in the area.

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Concerns over progress of disarmament efforts

The organisation also questioned the effectiveness of an operation announced by Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in late March to disarm FDLR fighters.

The operation was reportedly launched in Kisangani by FARDC Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of operations and intelligence Lt Gen Jacques Ychaligonza and was presented as a major step towards implementing the Washington commitments aimed at neutralising foreign armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo.

CIDHC said months after the announcement, there is little evidence of progress in areas where FDLR fighters have been reported.

"No concrete or visible results of this operation are perceptible in the affected zones," CIDHC said.

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It added that information from local residents, locaf chiefs and civil society actors indicate an active and organised FDLR presence in several localities across North Kivu.

The situation in Kabingu and Matamba, the organisation said, illustrates broader concerns regarding the implementation of measures intended to dismantle the armed group.

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The report comes as Rwanda and DR Congo continue implementing the peace agreement signed in Washington on June 27 last year, under United States mediation.

A key provision of the agreement is the implementation of the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda (CONOPS).

Under the accord, both countries committed to ensuring an "irreversible and verifiable" end to support for the FDLR and associated armed groups.

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The agreement also established a joint security coordination mechanism tasked with identifying, locating and neutralising the FDLR while ensuring transparency in the implementation of agreed security measures.

"The persistence of FDLR presence in several territories of North Kivu seriously compromises current diplomatic and security efforts to end the conflict in eastern DRC," the organisation said.

It added that the effective neutralisation of the group remains one of the key requirements for achieving durable peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

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CIDHC called for independent investigations into the reported presence of FDLR fighters in Walikale and the circumstances that have allowed them to remain in the area.

The organisation urged the Congolese government to strengthen civilian protection measures, restore state authority in affected areas and ensure accountability for reported abuses.

It also called on FARDC to intensify efforts to neutralise the armed group while respecting human rights and international humanitarian law.

The United Nations mission in the country (MONUSCO) was urged to reinforce monitoring, documentation and civilian protection mechanisms in communities facing growing insecurity.

The organisation further appealed to regional and international actors and mediators, including Qatar, the United States and the African Union, to closely monitor developments and ensure that commitments made under ongoing peace initiatives are respected.

CIDHC warned that continued insecurity could fuel further displacement, food insecurity, loss of livelihoods and social disruption in North Kivu.

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