Rwanda has raised concerns over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) ongoing integration of the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi into its national army, FARDC, while MONUSCO is reportedly turning a blind eye.
Minister of Unity and National Cohesion, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, drew the comparison on April 7, 2026, during the launch of Rwanda’s 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting parallels between ignored warning signs before the 1994 genocide and the current treatment of Congolese Tutsi refugees who have lived in exile for 33 years.
“These refugees have been terrorized by FDLR fighters, the same group that perpetrated the genocide in Rwanda, yet the United Nations has repeatedly designated FDLR as a terrorist organization that must be dismantled,” Dr. Bizimana said.
He noted that the UN has issued multiple resolutions calling for the disbandment of groups such as FDLR, EX-FAR, and Interahamwe, and for the cessation of all forms of support—financial, material, or otherwise—provided directly or indirectly to these forces.
“Despite these decisions, the DRC continues to incorporate FDLR members into its army, while MONUSCO looks on, reminiscent of how MINUAR observed the preparations for genocide in Rwanda,” Dr. Bizimana added.
The minister further warned that the rhetoric coming from some DRC officials echoes the same culture of hatred that fueled the 1990–1994 genocide in Rwanda, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to act decisively to prevent a repeat of past atrocities.
