The Democratic Republic of Congo has been urged to move swiftly to implement a disarmament agreement with a faction of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as international partners push for concrete steps to de-escalate the conflict in the Great Lakes region.
The call was made on Thursday by members of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes, chaired by France, in a joint statement issued through the Office of the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State.
The ICG comprises the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The group took note of the announcement by the DRC government on July 28, 2026, that an FDLR faction had formally accepted and signed a protocol covering its disarmament, demobilisation and cantonment.
The ICG called on Congolese authorities to promptly develop an operational plan and a realistic timeline for implementing what it described as an effective FDLR neutralization process.
It said implementation should be consistent with commitments contained in the Washington Agreements, the Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS) of October 31, 2024, and the Washington Agreement of June 27, 2025.
The group stressed that implementation of the protocol by the Congolese government would be critical, while also urging authorities to clarify the mechanisms for combating impunity contained in the agreement.
It further called on the DRC to work with MONUSCO as a key partner in implementing the protocol.
The ICG also issued a pointed warning against cooperation between Congolese authorities and FDLR elements, saying: “any colocation or operational collaboration with elements of the FDLR is fundamentally at odds with the commitments made in the Washington Accords.”
The international group said it remained ready to welcome concrete steps by either the DRC or Rwanda in fulfilment of commitments made under the ongoing peace process.
It also urged all parties to the Washington Accords and Doha Framework, together with participants in other mediation efforts, including the African Union, to continue working towards implementation of their commitments.
Call for civilian protection
The ICG reminded all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and comply with UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, including full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It also called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region.
The statement comes amid continuing international efforts to address the conflict in eastern DRC, where armed groups and regional tensions have complicated attempts to establish lasting peace.
ICG welcomes DRC-AFC/M23 prisoner exchange
The ICG separately welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and AFC/M23, describing it as a vital confidence-building measure capable of helping to reduce tensions and build trust between the warring parties.
The group 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 step in the right direction.”
However, it stressed that all parties must honour their obligations under international humanitarian law and guarantee full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
The group said such access was necessary to ensure essential humanitarian assistance reaches people affected by the conflict.
The latest statement places renewed international emphasis on turning existing peace commitments into concrete action, particularly the disarmament of armed groups, protection of civilians, accountability and humanitarian access.
