FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The report shows that insecurity remains a great concern in eastern DRC mainly in Ituri and northern Kivu that have been war-torn zones for 18 months.

It indicates that ADF continues to expand its activities in northern Kivu and attacks to civilians in the areas of Beni, Lubero and southern Ituri.

Apart from ADF, UN experts said that Mai Mai group also continues to destabilize citizens in Lubero.

From April 2022 to 5th November 2022, the report shows that ADF was involved in attacks that claimed lives of over 370 civilians.

In Ituri, CODECO armed group also continues to expand its bases, plot attacks to FARDC and civilians.

The report indicates that MONUSCO supported FARDC to fight M23 but ended to no avail. The failure saw other armed groups from Pinga joining the coalition to fight M23.

These include Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) led by Guidon Mwisa Shimirai and Nyatura Abazungu, CMC/FDP led by Dominique Ndaruhutse alias “Domi” among others.

FDLR is also part of the armed groups where it was represented by Col Silencieux and Col Potifaro in a meeting held in Pinda. FARDC was represented by Col Salomon Tokolonga.

Leaders of these armed groups agreed on bringing together 600 fighters to support FARDC. It is reported that their fighters were deployed in Bambu, Rugari and Rumangabo in July.

Witnesses who attended the meeting told UN experts that FARDC provides weapons to these armed groups including FDLR noting that the support continues in October 2022 as the fighting with M23 resumed.

The report also indicated that hate speeches and violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking people increased. Such acts are said to have been fueled, mainly by politicians, government officials and security personnel.

The report also accused FARDC of collaboration with armed groups, illegal mining in collaboration with foreign companies operating in Northern Kivu Province.

It is released at a time when DRC continues to overlook the threat to regional security caused by FDLR. The country says that the terrorist group was largely defeated where ‘remnants are thieves stealing sweet potatoes for survival’.

However, FDLR recently said that it still exists and commended Congolese President Tshisekedi for his recent utterance who confirmed that he wants to help Rwandans topple their leadership.

FDLR welcomed the statement noting that it shares the same enemy with DRC.

FDLR continues to threaten security in DRC.