The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Region (ICG) has called on the Congolese authorities to quickly develop an operational plan and a “realistic” timetable for the effective neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), following the signing of a protocol for disarmament, demobilization and cantonment.
In a joint statement, the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom say they “take good note” of the announcement made on July 28 by the Congolese government regarding the signing of this protocol by a faction of the FDLR.
The group, chaired by France, requests that its implementation be in accordance with the obligations taken within the framework of the Washington agreements, as well as the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) of October 31, 2024 on the disengagement of forces and the lifting of defensive measures in Rwanda.
The GIC stresses the “crucial importance” of the Congolese government’s implementation of the protocol and also asks it to clarify the mechanisms for combating impunity mentioned therein.
He also calls on Kinshasa to work with the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), presented as a “key partner” in implementation.
The group also warns that “any co-location or operational collaboration with elements of the FDLR” is fundamentally incompatible with the commitments made in the Washington agreements.
The GIC also says it is ready to welcome any concrete progress by the DRC or Rwanda in implementing their commitments within the framework of the peace process.
He also calls on the parties to the Washington agreements and the Doha framework, as well as the various mediation efforts, including that of the African Union, to continue their efforts to implement the commitments made.
The group reminds the parties of their obligation to protect civilians, to respect UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808.
In its statement, the GIC also welcomes the agreement on prisoner exchanges between the DRC and the AFC/M23, which it describes as a “vital” measure to reduce tensions and strengthen trust between the conflicting parties.
