The report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the UN mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) documented at least 44 human rights abuses and protection incidents attributed to the FDLR between June 19 and September 18. The incidents affected 89 victims, including 15 victims of summary executions.

The abuses were concentrated in Rutshuru territory in North Kivu province, with additional incidents recorded in Masisi, Nyiragongo and Walikale territories.

“FDLR abuses of the civilian population remained concentrated in Rutshuru territory, but also Masisi, Nyiragongo and Walikale, primarily consisting of armed robbery, extortion, targeted killing and forced disappearances of community leaders and alleged collaborators,” the report said.

The UN also documented forced recruitment, conflict-related violence and kidnapping among abuses linked to the group.

The FDLR was formed by remnants of forces responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Its members fled to then Zaire after the defeat of the genocidal forces and have maintained a presence in eastern DR Congo for three decades.

The latest findings come despite commitments made by DR Congo to neutralise the genocidal force, as outlined in the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi on December 4, 2025.

Rwanda has rejected a new voluntary dissolution protocol proposed by DR Congo for dealing with the FDLR. Rwanda maintains that the FDLR remains an active security threat and must be effectively and verifiably neutralised.

The new report also documented clashes between the FDLR and Wazalendo-affiliated armed groups in North Kivu. Fighting in Masisi and Walikale intensified in August and September, increasing risks for civilians.

Guterres also raised concern over the increased use of drones and indiscriminate strikes by state and non-state actors in several parts of eastern DR Congo.

He said the resumption of regular meetings under the Washington process and an agreed sequenced road map between Rwanda and DR Congo provided a basis for progress.

The UN chief urged the parties to maintain their engagement and implement their commitments, including obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.