The United States has called on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to immediately dismantle the FDLR terrorist group. It warned that failure to act could lead to sanctions.
This was reiterated on April 15, 2026, by US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Tammy Bruce. The Security Council was discussing ways to support lasting peace in the African Great Lakes region.
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Rwanda Raises Concerns Over FDLR Activities
During the meeting, Rwanda’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Kayinamura Robert, said the FDLR continues to operate in the DRC. He also noted that the international community is aware of the role of its founders in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Ambassador Kayinamura added that the group still aims to destabilize Rwanda. He said it continues to spread genocide ideology in the region. He therefore called for its dismantling to achieve lasting peace.
Peace Agreement Commitments Not Yet Implemented
In June 2025, Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement. The DRC government agreed to dismantle the FDLR. However, after one year, it has not yet started full implementation. Instead, it is accused of continuing to provide support to the group.
The DRC government has often explained that FDLR fighters are not in areas under its control. It claims they operate in areas controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition in eastern DRC.
US Warns of Possible Sanctions
Ambassador Tammy Bruce said the FDLR operates in areas that include zones under DRC government control. She urged the government to act quickly and dismantle the group.
She stated: “The DRC government must honor its commitments and quickly eliminate the FDLR, at least in the areas it controls. Eliminating these long standing security concerns is essential to ending the cycle of mistrust that has caused war for many years.”
She also said the United States may use all available measures to hold parties accountable for blocking the peace process. This indicates that sanctions remain a possible option.
