Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has called for the neutralisation of the FDLR, a Kinshasa-backed genocidal militia, saying its continued presence and support from the Congolese government remain a major threat to Rwanda’s security and an obstacle to lasting peace in the region. ALSO READ: Rwanda demands accountability for DR Congo failure to neutralise FDLR Nsengiyumva made the remarks on Thursday, October 29, while addressing the Russia-Africa Summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, where he represented President Paul Kagame and led Rwanda’s delegation. The Prime Minister said Rwanda’s experience of insecurity, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, had taught the country never to compromise on matters of national security. “As you know, Rwanda is a country that suffered, even more than anyone else, the lack of security. That experience has taught us that we should never be complacent about or compromise the security of Rwanda,” he said. ALSO READ: FDLR continues killings, forced disappearances in eastern DR Congo, UN says He warned that Rwanda continues to face an existential threat from the FDLR, whose members include remnants of the forces responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi. “Unfortunately, as we speak today, Rwanda is facing an existential threat from the FDLR genocidal force, which is the force that committed the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Unfortunately, this force is still enjoying state support in DRC,” Nsengiyumva said. ALSO READ: Nduhungirehe: Rwanda must not be a ‘forever scapegoat’ for DR Congo crisis The warning comes amid continued concerns about the delayed implementation of the Washington Accords, the US-brokered peace agreement signed by Rwanda and DR Congo in December 2025 to address the security crisis in eastern DR Congo. Under the agreement, DR Congo committed to neutralising the FDLR, while Rwanda committed to lifting its defensive measures against the militia. However, the FDLR remains operational in eastern DR Congo, with reports of continued cooperation with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). ALSO READ: Former FDLR ‘Colonel’ on how militia funds its operations Nsengiyumva said neutralising the militia was essential to resolving the security concerns between the two neighbouring countries. “Addressing this threat, as provided for in the Washington Accords, is key for peace and security in our region,” he said. He also called for an end to hate speech and the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in eastern DR Congo, saying their protection was inseparable from efforts to achieve lasting peace. “In the same vein, fight against hate speech and the persecution that dehumanizes the Rwandophone community in eastern DRC is critical for effective protection of civilians,” he said. “Importantly, political causes of this conflict must be addressed in order for us to achieve sustainable peace.” ALSO READ: Makolo: DR Congo must disarm FDLR, repatriate its members The Prime Minister maintained that Rwanda had fulfilled its obligations under the Washington Accords and African Union-led initiatives, stressing that Kigali remained committed to addressing the region's security challenges through agreed mechanisms. “Rwanda is in full compliance with the Washington Accords and the African Union-led initiatives, to comprehensively address the security challenges in our region,” he said. He reiterated that resolving the security challenges would create conditions for economic growth, regional integration and joint investment, rather than allowing insecurity to continue undermining the region's potential. ALSO READ: Kagame: Rwanda faces impossible choice to tolerate or defend against FDLR Nsengiyumva’s intervention came as the Russia-Africa Summit closed in Moscow. Held from October 28 to 29, the summit brought together representatives from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state to discuss ways to strengthen relations between Russia and the continent. Co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who chairs the African Union, the summit focused on political cooperation, trade, investment, science, technology and humanitarian affairs. Rwanda's participation also came as Kigali seeks to expand its bilateral cooperation with Moscow in areas including trade, investment, aviation, education and nuclear technology.
