Rwanda’s Kagame Accuses DR Congo of Backing FDLR Militia Through Habyarimana’s Son
Kigali, April 3, 2024 — Rwandan President Paul Kagame has raised alarms over what he describes as a dangerous alliance between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the son of Rwanda’s late leader, Juvénal Habyarimana. In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, Kagame warned that Jean-Luc Habyarimana’s visits to Kinshasa are part of a broader security threat tied to the FDLR militia, a group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Kagame’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, where Kinshasa has long been accused of supporting armed groups hostile to Kigali. The Rwandan leader emphasized that Jean-Luc Habyarimana is not acting alone but is instead being used by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to strengthen ties with the FDLR.
A Network of Threats
“This isn’t just about one person,” Kagame told Jeune Afrique’s François Soudan in the interview published Friday. “Habyarimana’s son is being mobilized to rally support for the FDLR, and this is happening with the backing of the Congolese government.”
The FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) is a rebel group formed by exiled Hutu extremists linked to the genocide that killed over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Despite being officially disbanded, remnants of the group remain active in eastern DRC, where they have allegedly collaborated with the Congolese military (FARDC).
Kagame pointed to a broader network involving figures in France and DRC, suggesting that Habyarimana’s travels to Kinshasa are part of a coordinated effort to destabilize Rwanda. “These connections are not coincidental,” he said. “There is clear collusion between the FDLR and FARDC, and it poses a direct threat to our security.”
Rwanda’s Defensive Stance
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Kagame has publicly condemned Kinshasa’s alleged ties to Habyarimana’s family. In early March, he voiced concerns over DRC’s engagement with individuals linked to Rwanda’s genocide-era leadership.
The Rwandan president also reiterated that his country will maintain defensive measures until the FDLR is fully neutralized. “We cannot ignore this threat,” Kagame said. “Rwanda will not stand by while our security is undermined.”
The accusations add fuel to an already volatile regional conflict, where Rwanda has repeatedly clashed with Congolese forces over allegations of cross-border support for rebel factions. The DRC, in turn, has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group—a charge Kigali denies.
Regional Implications
The latest developments risk further straining relations between the two nations, which have been locked in a cycle of mutual distrust for decades. Analysts warn that without diplomatic intervention, the situation could escalate into broader conflict, destabilizing an already fragile region.
Kagame’s statements also highlight lingering tensions from the genocide era, where unresolved grievances continue to shape regional politics. The involvement of Habyarimana’s son—a figure tied to Rwanda’s darkest chapter—only deepens the historical wounds.
As both nations brace for potential fallout, international observers are urging dialogue to prevent another humanitarian crisis in Central Africa.
— Reported by Nexio News
