Democratic Republic of Congo seeks diplomatic path to neutralize FDLR

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, is focusing on diplomacy to achieve the “irreversible and verifiable” neutralisation of the Rwanda‑backed FDLR militia operating in North and South Kivu. Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni conducted a diplomatic tour in July 2026 to Uganda, Togo, Burundi, Tanzania and later to Brussels and Paris, presenting a memorandum of understanding on FDLR demobilisation to international partners.

Political analyst Bob Kabamba warned that the Washington agreement will not lead to de‑escalation between Kinshasa and Kigali, citing the breakdown of historic regional elite pacts and Rwanda’s reliance on military means versus Congo’s diplomatic and anti‑Rwanda campaigns. The stalemate continues to hinder peace prospects in the east, where the M23 rebel group also controls large territories.