Rwanda shared evidence of DRC–FDLR cooperation with the United States during the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, according to Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe. The minister said Kigali provided intelligence alleging continued collaboration between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the FDLR, while urging equal accountability for both parties to the peace accord.
Rwanda Shared Evidence of DRC–FDLR Cooperation with the U.S.
Speaking to Radio France Internationale (RFI), Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda submitted intelligence to U.S. mediators showing what it described as ongoing cooperation between the Congolese government, its armed forces, and the FDLR, an armed group Rwanda designates as a terrorist organization.
According to the minister, Rwanda also informed U.S. officials that Jean-Luc Habyarimana, the son of former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, and Fabien Singaye had been received in Kinshasa.
Nduhungirehe said: “We provided the mediator with all the information demonstrating the continued cooperation between President Tshisekedi, his army, and the FDLR. We also shared information about the political network operating through individuals such as Jean-Luc Habyarimana and Fabien Singaye, who have been received in Kinshasa. Jean-Luc Habyarimana was photographed there,”
Minister Cites Alleged Military Support to the FDLR
Nduhungirehe argued that despite the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC under U.S. mediation, Kinshasa has shown little political commitment to implementing its obligations.
He said the DRC has failed to dismantle the FDLR as required under the Washington Peace Agreement and instead continues to provide the group with military support.
As an example, the minister referred to events in late March 2026, saying that although the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Congolese Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Jacques Ndulu Ychaligonza, announced operations against the FDLR on March 29, the Congolese military allegedly supplied the group shortly afterward.
He said: “However, just two days later, on March 31, they dispatched two helicopters to Walikale carrying weapons, ammunition, and money for the FDLR. We shared this information with the Americans,”
U.S. Statement on FDLR Referenced by Rwanda
The foreign minister also referred to remarks made on June 27 by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on Africa, during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
According to Nduhungirehe, Boulos acknowledged that the DRC had not fulfilled its commitment to dismantle the FDLR, at least in territories under government control.
The minister described that statement as an important acknowledgment by the U.S. mediation team regarding the implementation of the peace agreement.
Rwanda Calls for Equal Accountability Under the Peace Agreement
Nduhungirehe said the Washington Peace Agreement can only succeed if both Rwanda and the DRC fulfill their respective commitments.
He argued that if the mediation process is to remain impartial, equal pressure should be applied to both parties whenever obligations are not respected.
According to the minister, this could include diplomatic measures or sanctions directed at any party found to be violating the agreement, rather than focusing on one side alone.
Washington Peace Agreement Remains Central to Regional Stability
The Washington Peace Agreement was brokered by the United States with the aim of reducing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC and addressing security concerns in eastern Congo.
Rwanda has consistently maintained that dismantling the FDLR is a key requirement for lasting peace and regional stability.
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda has continued sharing intelligence and engaging with mediators while expecting the agreement to be implemented in full by all signatories.
