The FDLR was involved in at least 44 human rights abuses and protection incidents affecting 89 victims, including 15 victims of summary executions, between June 19 and September 18, according to a new United Nations report. ALSO READ: Rwanda demands accountability for DR Congo failure to neutralise FDLR The findings are contained in the latest report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the United Nations security mission in Kinshasa (MONUSCO), which covers developments in eastern DR Congo during the reporting period. The FDLR, a militia formed by remnants of forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has operated in eastern DR Congo for decades. Its members fled to then Zaire following the defeat of the genocidal forces by the Rwandan Patriotic Army. ALSO READ: Former FDLR deputy president on how genocidal militia was formed The group has since maintained a presence there, supported by and working closely with the Congolese government, carrying out occasional attacks on Rwandan territory and violence targeting Tutsi communities in eastern DR Congo. ALSO READ: Makolo: DR Congo must disarm FDLR, repatriate its members The report said the FDLR continued to commit abuses against civilians, mainly in Rutshuru territory, with incidents also recorded in Masisi, Nyiragongo and Walikale. “FDLR abuses of the civilian population remained concentrated in Rutshuru territory, but also Masisi, Nyiragongo and Walikale, primarily consisting of armed robbery, extortion, targeted killing and forced disappearances of community leaders and alleged collaborators,” the report reads. ALSO READ: Former FDLR ‘Colonel’ on how militia funds its operations The UN also documented forced recruitment, conflict-related violence and kidnapping, among other abuses. ALSO READ: The ordeal of rape, forced abortions in the FDLR as told by survivors The genocidal force continues to operate in eastern DR Congo despite commitments made by Rwanda and DR Congo under the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in Washington on December 4 last year. The accords built on earlier commitments, including the June 27, 2025 Washington Peace Agreement, and established a framework for addressing the security concerns between the two neighbouring countries, with the neutralisation of the FDLR as a key step, followed by Rwanda’s lifting of defensive measures against this threat. ALSO READ: DR Congo: FDLR razes village in Walikale, killing four However, the latest UN findings indicate that the FDLR continues to operate in eastern DR Congo, months after the accords were signed. Rwanda said it has implemented its commitments while the group's continued presence remains a concern. The report also documented clashes involving the FDLR and Wazalendo-affiliated armed groups in North Kivu. Fighting in Masisi and Walikale intensified in August and September, adding to risks for civilians. The 44 incidents attributed to the FDLR affected 89 victims during the reporting period, including the 15 victims of summary executions. The abuses included armed robbery, extortion, targeted killings and forced disappearances, particularly involving community leaders and people accused of collaborating with opposing armed groups. ALSO READ: Former preacher lifts lid on FDLR’s use of religion to spread hate The report also noted increased use of drones and indiscriminate strikes by state and non-state actors in several parts of eastern DR Congo, including Masisi and Walikale, as well as Kalehe, Walungu, Mwenga, Uvira and Fizi. Guterres said the resumption of regular meetings under the Washington process and an agreed sequenced road map between Rwanda and DR Congo provided a basis for progress. He urged the parties to maintain their engagement and implement their commitments, including their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
