Great Lakes Contact Group Urges DRC to Fast-Track FDLR Disarmament Protocol

KINSHASA — The International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes region has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to move swiftly to implement an agreement providing for the disarmament, demobilisation and cantonment of a faction of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

In a joint statement, the ICG said it had taken note of the DRC government's announcement on July 28 that the FDLR faction had formally accepted and signed the protocol.

The group called on Kinshasa to develop an operational plan and realistic timeline for the effective neutralisation of the armed group, stressing that implementation should be consistent with commitments made under the ongoing regional peace process.

The ICG said the process should align with commitments under the Washington Agreements, the October 31, 2024, Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS) and the June 27, 2025 Washington Agreement.

Call for clarity on accountability

The Contact Group also urged the Congolese government to clarify how mechanisms for addressing impunity, as provided for under the protocol, would be implemented.

It called for close cooperation between Kinshasa and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, during implementation of the agreement.

The ICG warned that any co-location or operational cooperation involving FDLR elements would be inconsistent with commitments made under the Washington Accords.

At the same time, the group said it remained ready to welcome concrete measures by either the DRC or Rwanda aimed at fulfilling obligations under the broader peace process.

Support for regional peace efforts

The ICG urged all parties to the Washington Accords and Doha Framework, alongside other mediation initiatives, including those led by the African Union, to continue implementing their respective commitments.

The group also called on all parties to protect civilians, comply with UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.

The statement comes amid continued international efforts to address insecurity in eastern DRC, where armed groups and regional tensions have contributed to a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

Prisoner exchange welcomed

The Contact Group welcomed a prisoner-exchange agreement between the DRC government and AFC/M23, describing it as an important confidence-building measure.

It also commended a recent transfer facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) involving individuals released by Congolese authorities and transferred to AFC/M23.

The ICG described the transfer as a positive development and urged the parties to build on such measures to strengthen confidence in the peace process.

The group further called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and guarantee safe, full and unhindered humanitarian access so that essential assistance can reach populations affected by the conflict.

The ICG said continued implementation of existing agreements, protection of civilians and meaningful de-escalation would be critical to sustaining momentum towards lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.