Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, told the United Nations General Assembly that the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi continue to cooperate with the FDLR, which Rwanda describes as a terrorist group.
Speaking on the night of September 23, 2026, the Prime Minister said the situation in eastern DRC should not only be viewed through its consequences, but that its root causes should also be addressed, including what he described as the genocide ideology promoted by the FDLR.
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Rwanda Raises FDLR Concerns
Nsengiyumva said the FDLR has remained a security concern for Rwanda for more than three decades. “For more than 30 years, the FDLR has continued to spread genocide ideology, commit serious crimes in eastern DRC and threaten Rwanda’s security, including by carrying out cross-border attacks.”
He further alleged that the group cooperates with other actors in military activities, including the Burundian army, armed groups supported by the DRC government and mercenaries. “It currently cooperates with the Burundian army, armed groups supported by the DRC government and mercenaries, in violation of the 1989 United Nations Convention and the 1977 OAU Convention against mercenary activities.” These statements represent Rwanda’s position on the conflict and the alleged cooperation involving the FDLR.
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Rwanda Calls for Political Solution
Prime Minister Nsengiyumva said the conflict in eastern DRC has political roots and that its solution should therefore also be pursued through political means. “This war did not start today. The roots of the conflict in eastern DRC are linked to political issues, including historical grievances, exclusion and poor governance. The solution must also be political.”
He said Rwanda supports dialogue-based efforts aimed at achieving peace, including the Washington Accords signed between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 coalition. “Rwanda fully supports the ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a solution. We welcome the Washington Accords signed by Rwanda and the DRC, as well as the Doha process between the DRC and AFC/M23, as steps in the right direction.”
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Rwanda Supports Peace Talks
The Prime Minister thanked leaders and countries that have contributed to the dialogue processes, saying the objective is to build a region where countries can coexist peacefully, engage in trade and pursue development.
He also called on the international community to help all parties honour commitments made through the peace talks. “No lasting peace can be achieved without addressing conflicts at their roots and resolving the concerns raised by all affected populations.”
Rwanda Calls for Stronger Conflict Prevention
Nsengiyumva reaffirmed Rwanda’s support for United Nations efforts to build lasting peace and called on international institutions to strengthen conflict-prevention mechanisms before conflicts escalate.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, whose general debate is being held from September 22 to 26, 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York.
