The recent handover of a top FDLR commander by the M23 to Rwandan authorities provides an opportunity that should not be missed in the quest for a possible solution towards addressing the security challenges plaguing the Great Lakes region. This event serves as a powerful vindication of Rwanda's longstanding concerns about the threat posed by the FDLR and its continued presence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. For years, Rwanda has consistently raised alarms about the FDLR, a militia group composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite international pronouncements and various initiatives, the group has persisted, operating with impunity in eastern DR Congo and working with their host government to advance their heinous agenda. ALSO READ FDLR 'General' linked to Queen Gicanda murder captured in DR Congo, repatriated In fact, the individual who led the group that was handed over is not ordinary fighter. FDLR’s Brig Gen Ezechiel Gakwerere was a top leader within the ranks of the genocidal group and directly has a hand in the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. Gakwerere is directly linked to the murder of Rwanda’s last queen, Rosalie Gicanda who was killed from her home in Huye District. He also responsible for other massacres committed by soldiers attached to the junior officers’ school that was based in Butare town where he worked. The FDLR's activities extend beyond mere military posturing. ALSO READ: Did Belgium send Queen Gicanda to her death in Rwanda? In DR Congo, they actively propagate the very ideology that fueled the genocide, spreading hatred and inciting violence against Tutsi communities both within and beyond Rwanda's borders. This toxic ideology poses a grave danger to regional stability and undermines efforts towards reconciliation and lasting peace. The handover of this FDLR commander and his charges is a crucial step towards justice and accountability. It sends a clear message that those responsible for the genocide and its continued legacy of hate will not escape the consequences of their actions. It also underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security threats and dismantling armed groups that destabilize the Great Lakes region. ALSO READ: Envoy reiterates Security Council’s need to take Rwanda’s concerns seriously This development should serve as a wake-up call to the international community. The continued existence of the FDLR is a stain on the conscience of the world. It is a stark reminder of the unfinished business of justice and the urgent need for concerted action to neutralize this threat. Rwanda remains committed to working with regional and international partners to ensure the security of its citizens and contribute to lasting peace in the region. The handover of this FDLR commander is a positive step in the right direction, but much more remains to be done. It is time for the international community to step up its efforts and support the dismantling of the FDLR and all other armed groups that threaten the stability of the Great Lakes region, but first and most importantly, they must acknowledge the gravity of this threat.
