Great Lakes contact group hails FDLR disarmament protocol, urges swift implementation

The International Contact Group (GCI) for the Great Lakes region has lauded the signing of a disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment protocol between Congolese authorities and the Rwandan Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). In a statement released Thursday, GCI members recognized this development as a potential contributor to ongoing peace efforts in the region. The group, which includes the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, acknowledged the Congolese government's announcement on July 28 regarding a faction of the FDLR formally adhering to the protocol. However, these international partners are pressing the Congolese authorities to swiftly advance to the next stage. They are calling for the creation of an action plan with a realistic timeline to ensure the effective neutralization of the FDLR, in line with commitments made in the Washington Accords and the operational plan for force disengagement and the lifting of defensive measures for Rwanda. The GCI also emphasized the importance of the protocol's effective implementation. It urged the Congolese government to clarify the mechanisms for combating impunity within the agreement and to collaborate closely with MONUSCO, which it considers an essential partner in this process. The GCI reiterated that any operational collaboration or coexistence with FDLR elements would contradict existing commitments under the Washington Accords. The group expressed readiness to welcome any concrete progress made by both the DRC and Rwanda in the ongoing peace process. It encouraged all signatories to the Washington Accords and those involved in the Doha framework, as well as various mediators including the African Union, to continue their efforts in implementing the agreed-upon commitments. The international partners reminded parties of their obligation to protect civilian populations, respect UN Security Council resolutions, and preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the concerned states. They called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region. Furthermore, the GCI praised the prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23, deeming it a confidence-building measure that could foster appeasement. It specifically welcomed the recent transfer of individuals released by Congolese authorities to the AFC/M23, an operation facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Finally, the International Contact Group called on all parties to respect their obligations regarding...