The M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, announced on Saturday that it had handed over 20 fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia founded by ethnic Hutus involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This handover took place at the border between Goma, a significant city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Gisenyi, a town in Rwanda.
Rwanda has cited the presence of the FDLR, whose leaders were implicated in the massacre of ethnic Tutsis during the genocide, as a justification for its backing of the M23. In recent months, with Rwandan support, the M23 has gained control over large territories in the DRC’s eastern region, including crucial provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu.
The transfer included high-ranking members of the FDLR, notably General Ezechiel Gakwere, who has been accused of an active role in the genocide in Butare, Rwanda. Another key figure handed over was Major Gilbert Ndayambaje, who received a life sentence in 2018 from a DRC court for crimes against humanity. M23 deputy spokesman Oscar Balinda confirmed to reporters that a total of 20 FDLR soldiers were handed over and indicated that searches would continue for others believed to be hiding in Goma.
The handover, conducted under the watch of M23 fighters, was closely monitored by Rwandan authorities, who conducted searches of the alleged FDLR members upon their arrival. Colonel Joseph Mwesigye from the Rwandan military assured that individuals with any involvement in genocide would face justice. He characterized the arrest of these FDLR members as a clear affirmation of Rwanda’s long-standing concerns regarding their presence in the DRC, alleging that they have been integrated into the Congolese armed forces.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed frustration, stating that Rwanda has consistently warned Western nations about the threat posed by the FDLR, which he claimed has existed for 30 years. He lamented that the international community has often dismissed Rwanda’s assertions, suggesting that accusations of Rwandan motives being linked to resource exploitation in the DRC were unfounded.
Despite Rwanda’s denial of direct military support to the M23, a recent UN experts’ report indicated that the Rwandan government maintains a significant military presence in eastern DRC, controlling the activities of the armed group. This report also highlighted that Rwanda appears to be exploiting its position in the DRC to access the country’s rich mineral resources, including gold and other materials critical for the technology sector.
