Rwanda Rejects Congolese Rebel Disarmament Deal, Citing Delay Tactics; Opposition Challenges Referendum Law

Kinshasa's announcement of a protocol for the disarmament, demobilization, cantonment, and dissolution of the FDLR rebel group has met with outright rejection from Kigali. Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe dismissed the protocol as a "crude manipulation" and a "delaying tactic" by the Democratic Republic of Congo. He stated on X that the DRC was trying to evade its primary security obligations, which were supposed to be fulfilled within 90 days according to operational plans.

However, Congolese Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni confirmed the signing of the protocol, asserting that the rebellion's commitment to disarmament would remove Kigali's security pretext and compel the Rwandan government to withdraw its forces. This US-mediated step places Rwanda in a position where it must address its own obligations.

Meanwhile, the Congolese opposition coalition C64 has rejected a constitutional court decision validating a law organizing a referendum. The opposition platform argues the law is non-compliant and that the court's decision aims to facilitate a delay in the electoral calendar. Opposition leaders Martin Fayulu, Jean-Marc Kabund, Moïse Katumbi, Augustin Matata, and Delly Sesanga declared the court's ruling "null and void," accusing the judiciary of corruption by the ruling power. The C64 signatories denounced a "judicial rebellion" and accused the court of "high treason" against the Congolese people.