In a press release dated March 9, 2025, the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) strongly condemned the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) for what they described as aggressive and expansionist actions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the FDLR, the Rwandan military, supported by its allies, has advanced towards key areas such as Butembo, the Bisihe gold and coltan mines in Walikale, and the gold mines of Kamituga in South Kivu. The group claimed that these actions are part of a broader plan by President Paul Kagameto extend Rwandan influence westward towards Bujumbura, Kinshasa, and Matadi—an agenda allegedly hinted at during his 2024 electoral campaign in Nyamasheke.
The FDLR accused the Rwandan forces of committing atrocities including the destruction of refugee camps, intimidation of humanitarian workers, and the humiliation of MONUSCO (the UN peacekeeping mission). They further alleged that the RDF and its allies have been involved in massacres, looting, and other serious human rights violations, using what they described as ruthless and deceptive methods.
In response to accusations from Kigali that the FDLR is a terrorist and genocidal group collaborating with the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR dismissed these claims as part of a propaganda campaign orchestrated by the Rwandan government. They argued that these allegations are aimed at justifying Rwanda’s military interventions in DRC while obscuring Kigali’s own role in plundering the region’s resources. The FDLR highlighted that Rwanda has consistently exploited the threat of the FDLR as a pretext to maintain a military presence in eastern DRC and control lucrative mining areas.
The FDLR’s spokesperson, Curé Ngoma, particularly addressed the statements made by James Kabarebe, who is currently the State Secretary in the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of regional integration. Kabarebe had recently presented a report to the Rwandan Senate and Parliament accusing the FDLR of being a genocidal force threatening Rwanda’s security. The FDLR rebuffed these accusations as lies and manipulation, accusing Kabarebe of being a master of deception. They also confirmed that and continues to lead efforts to protect Rwandan refugeesagainst what they called the brutality of Kagame’s regime.
The FDLR welcomed the international sanctions imposed on the Rwandan regime by countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Belgium, which target high-ranking officials such as James Kabarebe. The group described these sanctions as a necessary measure to put pressure on what they referred to as the bloodthirsty regime in Kigali. They urged the international community to reinforce these sanctions and to hold Rwanda accountable for its actions in eastern DRC.
Addressing the youth of the Great Lakes region, especially young Rwandans, the FDLR called on them to resist being used as cannon fodder in what they described as Kagame’s “senseless wars” aimed at territorial expansion and resource exploitation. They criticized Kagame’s administration for sacrificing Rwanda’s youth in pursuit of its ambitions in DRC, while the Rwandan economy remains heavily dependent on international aid and revenues from illicit mineral trade.
The FDLR reiterated its commitment to defending Rwandan refugees who, they claim, have been abandoned by the international community. They emphasized that any return of these refugees to Rwanda must be conducted with dignity and respect for human rights, dismissing Kagame’s calls for repatriation as hypocritical and aimed solely at consolidating his power.
Therwandan
