The United States has warned it could impose sanctions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo if it fails to take decisive action against the FDLR, a militia widely blamed for instability in eastern Congo.
Addressing a session of the United Nations Security Council, US representative Tammy Bruce called on Kinshasa to urgently honor its commitments to dismantle the group, warning that continued delays could attract tougher measures.
She stressed that neutralizing the FDLR is critical to addressing the root causes of long-running conflict in the region, adding that those undermining peace would be held accountable.
Despite assurances from the Congolese army that operations are underway, reports from conflict-hit areas indicate limited progress, with persistent allegations of cooperation between some FARDC elements and the militia.
The volatile security situation is further complicated by ongoing clashes between government forces and the AFC/M23, even as ceasefire efforts linked to talks in Switzerland struggle to hold.
While Kinshasa maintains its military operations target all armed groups threatening national sovereignty, international pressure is mounting for measurable results.
Washington’s warning underscores rising diplomatic pressure on DR Congo, as attention turns to whether it will act decisively on the FDLR or face potential sanctions.
