The government of DR Congo must sever all ties with the genocidal militia FDLR if it is committed to achieving lasting peace in the region, according to Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkoyanyi), who highlighted the group’s threat on Rwanda's security. Speaking on February 25 during a meeting of the National Consultative Forum of political Organizations (NFPO), which discussed regional security and the crisis in eastern DR Congo, Gasamagera said the country’s continued collaboration with the UN-sanctioned terrorist group only fuels the current crisis, which escalated in January when AFC/M23 rebels took control of the strategic city of Goma. ALSO READ: Political parties denounce sanctions on Rwanda over DR Congo crisis He also raised concerns about Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s declared plans to attack Rwanda. “Congo must abandon its plan to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, which was democratically elected by its citizens,” said the party leader. “It must also sever ties with the FDLR because, as long as this militia operates in DR Congo, deliberate peace cannot be achieved.” Gasamagera added that the conflict with M23 rebels can only be resolved through negotiations that address its root causes and the rebels’ grievances. “True peace comes through dialogue and peaceful efforts,” he said at the forum, which brought together Rwanda’s eleven political parties—RPF-Inkotanyi, PL, UDPR, PDI, PSD, PPC, PDC, PSR, PSP, PS Imberakuri, and the Green Party. ALSO READ: Rwanda will never accept to relive dark past due to DR Congo-backed genocidaires Gasamagera commended President Paul Kagame’s commitment to peaceful efforts for regional security and defensive measures put in place to secure Rwanda’s territory. He called on all the parties and Rwandans to support the President in his determination to protect the country. ALSO READ: Inside FDLR’s frontline base 3km from Rwanda border The FDLR was founded by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, fled to the DR Congo after the RPF army liberated Rwanda. Since then, it has continued to recruit fighters, spreading genocide ideology, and specifically targeting Congolese Tutsi communities. The group has also launched attacks on Rwanda over the years, resulting in casualties especially along the country’s borders. ALSO READ: DR Congo: Nduhungirehe asks UN to act on killings of Tutsi Gasamagera criticized the Congolese government and the international community for misrepresenting the root causes of the crisis and blaming Rwanda for it. He argued that the conflict is being framed around natural resources and sovereignty issues rather than its true origins. “The crisis in DR Congo is rooted in historical facts, ethnic violence, and failed governance. These are internal Congolese issues that have nothing to do with Rwanda or any other external actor,” said the RPF leader. “However, the narrative is being manipulated to focus on two things: Congo’s natural resources and its sovereignty. Those loudly speaking on the crisis conveniently overlook the real causes,” he said. ALSO READ: Sanctions against Rwanda will undermine peace efforts in DR Congo – Kabarebe Gasamagera also addressed the sanctions imposed on Rwanda over its alleged support to the M23 rebels, dismissing them as ineffective and counterproductive measures. “Sanctions have not solved anything. Instead, they embolden the DR Congo to continue avoiding responsibility for its own governance failures,” he said.
