International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Issues Joint Statement on Regional Stability and Cooperation

The United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, all part of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the Great Lakes region, which is chaired by France, have released a statement regarding the disarmament, demobilisation, and cantonment protocol recently signed between the Congolese authorities and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda-FOCA (FDLR).

Recognition of Recent Developments

The ICG acknowledges the announcement made by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 28 July, indicating that a faction of the FDLR has formally accepted and signed the protocol concerning their disarmament, demobilisation, and cantonment.

In light of this development, the ICG strongly encourages the Congolese authorities to swiftly formulate an operational plan along with a realistic timeline to ensure the effective neutralisation of the FDLR. This should be in accordance with the obligations established in the Washington Agreements and the Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures of Rwanda (CONOPS) dated 31 October 2024, as well as the Washington agreement of 27 June 2025.

Implementation and Accountability

The ICG highlights the critical importance of the Congolese Government’s implementation of the protocol. Accordingly, it urges the government to clarify the mechanisms aimed at combating impunity, as referenced in the protocol, and to collaborate closely with MONUSCO, recognising it as a key partner in this implementation process. Additionally, the ICG emphasises that any form of co-location or operational collaboration with elements of the FDLR would fundamentally contradict the commitments outlined in the Washington Accords.

Furthermore, the ICG expresses its readiness to support any significant advancements made by either the DRC or Rwanda in fulfilment of their commitments within the peace process framework.

Commitment to Peace and Humanitarian Efforts

The ICG calls upon all parties involved in the Washington Accords and Doha Framework, along with various mediation efforts, including those led by the African Union, to persist in their endeavours to fulfil the commitments made.

Moreover, the ICG reminds all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and comply with Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808. This includes a full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as an urgent need to de-escalate the current situation.

Encouraging Confidence-Building Measures

In addition, the ICG acknowledges the recent prisoner exchange agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23, recognising it as a crucial confidence-building measure aimed at reducing tensions and fostering trust among the conflicting parties. The group commends the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for facilitating the recent transfer of individuals released by the Congolese authorities to the AFC/M23, viewing this as a positive step forward.

Finally, the ICG calls on all parties to uphold their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access so that essential aid may reach those in need.