Rwanda Says Washington Accord Depends on Congo’s Action Against FDLR.
Rwanda has reaffirmed its readiness to implement the Washington Accords aimed at restoring peace between Kigali and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying progress depends on Kinshasa demonstrating its willingness to fulfil its commitments, particularly the dismantling of the FDLR armed group.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the agreement contains obligations for both countries, but accused the DRC of failing to meet its commitments regarding the elimination of the FDLR, a group that includes individuals implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Makolo said the alleged failure to address the group remains a major obstacle to implementing the agreement, which seeks to resolve longstanding security tensions in eastern Congo.
“The Washington Accords contain clear commitments regarding Rwanda’s security, particularly the need to neutralise the FDLR, a group composed of perpetrators of the genocide and supported by the Congolese government. These commitments have not been implemented, and those responsible have not been held accountable,” she said.
She stressed that Rwanda had not changed its position on implementing the agreement but insisted that both parties must fulfil their obligations for it to achieve its intended objectives.
“Rwanda is ready to implement the Washington Accords whenever the Congolese government demonstrates its willingness to fulfil its obligations, and the mediator ensures that all parties are held accountable for the commitments they have made,” Makolo said.
The Washington Accords were signed on December 4, 2025, by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in the presence of US President Donald Trump.
The agreement seeks to address the longstanding tensions between the two countries, particularly security concerns in eastern DRC. Its key provisions include dismantling the FDLR and affiliated armed groups, as well as lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures. The commitments are intended to be implemented in a coordinated and monitored manner.
Rwanda has repeatedly described the FDLR as a major security threat and accused the Congolese government of continuing to support the group.
On June 5, 2026, the Rwandan government issued a statement stressing that the Washington Accords could not be implemented by one side alone, arguing that both countries must honour their respective commitments.
At the time, Rwanda welcomed the United States’ role in seeking a solution to the conflict in eastern DRC but emphasised that implementation must be accompanied by accountability for each party’s obligations.
Makolo’s latest remarks come amid continuing disagreements over how the agreement should be implemented. Rwanda maintains that it remains committed to the peace process but insists that the FDLR issue must be addressed and that both countries must be held accountable for the commitments they have undertaken.
