The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes region has welcomed a new protocol signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a faction of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, while urging swift implementation and strict adherence to existing regional peace agreements.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ICG — comprising the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, under the chairmanship of France — took note of the July 28 announcement by the Congolese government. The protocol formalizes the disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment of the FDLR-FOCA faction.
The group urged Congolese authorities to promptly develop an operational plan and a realistic timeline to implement an effective neutralization of the FDLR. This process must align with obligations established in the Washington Agreements, the Disengagement of Forces and Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS) dated October 31, 2024, and the Washington agreement signed on June 27, 2025.
The statement emphasized the crucial importance of full implementation by the Congolese government. The ICG called on Kinshasa to clarify mechanisms for combating impunity as referenced in the protocol and to engage the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) as a key implementation partner. The group underscored that any colocation or operational collaboration with FDLR elements remains fundamentally at odds with commitments made under the Washington Accords.
While maintaining pressure for compliance, the ICG signaled readiness to welcome concrete steps forward by either the DRC or Rwanda following commitments made within the broader peace process framework. The group urged all parties to the Washington Accords and the Doha Framework, as well as mediation efforts led by the African Union, to sustain momentum toward implementing their obligations.
The statement reminded all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2773 and 2808. This includes full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and an immediate de-escalation of the security situation.
The ICG also recognized the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23 as a vital confidence-building measure to reduce tensions and foster trust. The group commended the recent transfer of individuals released by Congolese authorities to the AFC/M23, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, describing it as a step in the right direction.
Finally, the contact group called on all parties to honor their obligations under international humanitarian law and to guarantee full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure essential aid reaches populations in need.
