The United States has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to immediately end any cooperation between its armed forces and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), calling for concrete measures to disarm and dismantle the armed group.
The call was made by US Ambassador Jeffrey Bartos during a UN Security Council meeting on October 13, 2026, which focused on security in the Great Lakes region, particularly the conflict in eastern DRC.
Bartos said eliminating the FDLR’s ability to continue its operations was essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
“Any cooperation between the FDLR and elements of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) must end immediately,” he said.
His remarks put the spotlight on the Congolese government’s responsibility to address the threat posed by the group, which has operated in eastern DRC for years, and to implement agreements intended to ease tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Bartos urged the Congolese authorities to set out concrete steps for implementing their recently announced plan to tackle the FDLR, stressing that declarations and agreements must translate into measurable action.
He reiterated that efforts to weaken the group must continue, including ending its cooperation with elements of the FARDC.
The issue is among the key commitments under the Washington peace and economic cooperation agreements signed by Rwanda and the DRC, which require both countries to fulfil their respective security obligations.
While the DRC is expected to take action against the FDLR, Rwanda has also been called upon to honour its commitments under the agreements, including lifting its defensive measures.
Bartos said fulfilling these obligations was critical to ensuring that peace negotiations produce tangible results.
US welcomes efforts to repatriate former FDLR fighters to Rwanda
Bartos commended the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for helping repatriate former FDLR fighters and their families to Rwanda.
He called for continued efforts to support former combatants in returning to civilian life and facilitate their repatriation, while stressing the need for a lasting solution to the security threat posed by the group.
He also said the Congolese government should clearly explain how its plan to address the FDLR would be implemented, including the specific steps to be taken and mechanisms for monitoring compliance.
MONUSCO plays a role in facilitating the disarmament of FDLR fighters, supporting the reintegration of former members of armed groups into civilian life and helping those willing to return to their countries of origin.
US calls for ceasefire compliance and civilian protection
Beyond the FDLR issue, Bartos urged parties involved in the conflict in eastern DRC to respect the ceasefire and refrain from actions that could endanger civilians.
He expressed concern about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, in attacks that could put civilians at risk. He called for military operations to be conducted with caution to prevent further loss of civilian life.
Bartos also urged the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 coalition to continue negotiations in Doha and finalise outstanding agreements and documents to establish a clear path towards implementing the ceasefire and achieving peace.
He commended the efforts of mediators, including Qatar, the United States and the African Union, in seeking a resolution to the conflict.
He added that peace efforts must go hand in hand with civilian protection, the facilitation of humanitarian operations and the provision of security and freedom of movement for health workers delivering assistance to those in need, particularly as the DRC grapples with an Ebola outbreak.
