Kigali, Rwanda – The President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, expressed serious concerns about the security of Rwanda and the Great Lakes region, explaining that the terrorist group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda continues to receive support in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is also maintaining cooperation with the son of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana.
President Kagame made these remarks on March 6, 2026, during a meeting with diplomats representing their respective countries in Rwanda at a reception for members of the diplomatic corps in Kigali.
Rwanda’s Security Concerns
In his address, President Kagame explained that Rwanda’s security concerns are largely rooted in the continued existence of the FDLR and its ongoing spread of genocide ideology in the region.
He stated:
“Our security concerns are based on the continued existence of the FDLR and its extremist violent ideology, which is the same ideology that fueled the genocide. It is troubling to see that it still receives support within the region and elsewhere.”
President Kagame noted that since the FDLR established itself in the DRC after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the group has launched several attacks against Rwanda over the years, some of which have claimed the lives of many civilians.
Support Allegedly Provided by the DRC Government
The head of state indicated that the government of the DRC has continued to provide various forms of support to the armed group, including diplomatic backing, military equipment, and integration into the country’s security structures.
He stated:
“The government of the DRC has provided this group with political protection and financial support, and has even incorporated it into its military structures, where it now operates freely without being held accountable for its actions.”
According to President Kagame, such support continues to strengthen the FDLR’s capacity to spread genocide ideology and destabilize the region.
Relationship Between Jean-Luc Habyarimana and the FDLR
President Kagame also spoke about the reported relationship between Jean‑Luc Habyarimana and the FDLR.
He indicated that the son of the former Rwandan president has been making visits to Kinshasa, where he is reportedly reinforcing cooperation with the armed group.
He said:
“The son of the former President of Rwanda, whose regime led this country into genocide, along with others involved, continues to visit Kinshasa to expand their cooperation with the FDLR, and they are being welcomed.”
These remarks reflect Rwanda’s concerns about the alleged collaboration between former political figures and armed groups operating in the region.
Estimated Size of FDLR Forces
Reports indicate that there are currently between 7,000 and 10,000 FDLR fighters present in the DRC. The group is largely composed of individuals linked to those who carried out the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as others who joined in the years that followed.
President Kagame emphasized that the issue with the FDLR is not only the fighters themselves, but also the genocide ideology they continue to promote, which has also led to attacks against Congolese Tutsi communities.
Alleged Plans Involving Anti-Rwanda Groups
Reliable reports indicate that by the end of 2025, discussions had begun between the President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, and members of the Habyarimana family living in France regarding efforts to strengthen the FDLR.
According to these reports, the plan could involve providing the group with military equipment, recruiting new fighters, and establishing a new leadership structure, with Jean-Luc Habyarimana potentially assuming a leading role.
There are also reports that the Congolese authorities are working with individuals linked to the opposition coalition Rwanda National Congress, led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, as well as a group calling itself the “Rwandan Government in Exile,” led by Thomas Nahimana.
Discussions in the United States
On February 4, 2026, President Tshisekedi visited the United States, where he sought support for a campaign urging U.S. lawmakers to impose sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of its involvement in the conflict in eastern DRC.
However, some American officials indicated that lasting peace in the region would require the Congolese government to dismantle the FDLR and other armed groups, including Wazalendo militias, in accordance with provisions outlined in the Washington peace agreement.
A statement issued at the time noted:
“For lasting stability to be achieved, the DRC must take concrete action against the FDLR and criminal Wazalendo groups that continue to commit abuses against civilians.”
Rwanda Maintains Defensive Measures
President Kagame concluded by stating that Rwanda cannot ease its defensive security measures as long as the FDLR continues to receive support from authorities in the DRC.
He also praised Rwanda’s security institutions for their continued efforts to safeguard the country and prevent any threats that could endanger its citizens.
The President emphasized that Rwanda’s history requires the country to remain vigilant and prioritize the security of its people and its borders.
