The push to disarm and dismantle the FDLR armed group has emerged as a major test for the implementation of the Washington Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, with the process showing limited visible progress nearly four months after Kinshasa announced the operation.
On March 30, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) announced the launch of an operation in Kisangani aimed at securing the surrender of FDLR fighters, disarming them and facilitating their return to Rwanda.
The operation was part of security commitments under the Washington Agreement, which seeks to address armed group activity and ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
FARDC said FDLR combatants would be encouraged to surrender voluntarily, while those who refused would be disarmed through military action before being repatriated.
However, Congolese authorities have not released a detailed progress report or confirmed any major breakthrough in the operation.
Security sources cite access challenges as one of the main obstacles, particularly the presence of FDLR positions in parts of North Kivu that are currently under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23).
The situation has complicated FARDC operations in areas where FDLR fighters are believed to maintain strongholds. The United States has urged FARDC to take action against FDLR elements operating in territories under government control.
Beyond military operations, the repatriation of fighters who agree to lay down their weapons remains another sensitive issue. The process requires coordination between Kinshasa, Kigali and international partners, at a time when relations between the DRC and Rwanda continue to be affected by mistrust.
The dismantling of FDLR is one of the key security obligations under the Washington Agreement. Rwanda has maintained that progress in neutralising the group will be a determining factor in decisions regarding security measures it has taken in response to threats from armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
Regional security analysts say addressing the FDLR issue will require political commitment, transparency and sustained cooperation between the two governments to turn the agreement’s commitments into concrete action.
As the process remains stalled, the FDLR question continues to stand as one of the most consequential challenges to the full implementation of the Washington Agreement and efforts to restore lasting stability in eastern DRC.
