As the Great Lakes region continues to be plagued by insecurity and protracted conflicts that have for years claimed the lives of innocent civilians, the terrorist group FDLR has once again come into the spotlight, following credible reports indicating that it had planned to carry out attacks on Rwandan territory aimed at destabilizing the country’s security.
Information obtained by various media outlets, including Bwiza, indicates that FDLR had for some time been preparing bomb attacks in different parts of Rwanda, particularly in areas where large crowds gather and where foreign visitors are present. These attacks were reportedly intended to spread fear, create insecurity, and tarnish Rwanda’s image as a country known for its strong security.
Sources familiar with the matter say that FDLR’s plans were uncovered early, preventing the intended attacks from being carried out as planned. It is reported that some members of the group, who had been arrested while preparing the attacks, are the same individuals who provided information that led to the foiling of the plot. These individuals are members of FDLR, a group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
After realizing that its plans were no longer secret, FDLR quickly changed its narrative and strategy, attempting to divert attention. In a statement signed by Cure Ngoma, the spokesperson of FDLR, on December 17, 2025, the group claimed that Rwanda itself was preparing to stage attacks and later blame them on FDLR.
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In that statement, FDLR addressed Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United States, alleging that Rwanda seeks to further damage FDLR’s image, already widely discredited internationally because of its history and actions. FDLR claimed that this would serve as a justification for the continued presence of Rwandan forces in eastern Congo.
However, in what appears to be a contradictory position, FDLR acknowledged that the individuals who would carry out the attacks originate from within the group, but claimed that they had separated themselves from it. The group alleged that these individuals had been deceived and promised safe repatriation to Rwanda, along with senior positions in leadership upon their return.
The FDLR statement further claimed that these same individuals were responsible for recent attacks in Walikale Territory, which killed innocent civilians and destroyed entire villages. While these attacks had been attributed to FDLR, the group asserted that they constituted the first phase of a broader plan, with the second phase intended to take place on Rwandan territory.
These claims by FDLR continue to spark controversy, especially as the group has long been known for denying responsibility and shifting blame for crimes it is accused of, despite substantial evidence linking it to killings, looting, and the burning of villages in various parts of North Kivu.
FDLR continues to claim that it has no intention of attacking Congo or any other country and insists that it still hopes to return to Rwanda through peace talks among Rwandans. Analysts, however, often describe such statements as diversionary tactics, pointing out that realities on the ground sharply contradict the group’s public declarations.
This comes at a time when FDLR has been steadily weakened by attacks from the AFC/M23 coalition, which has taken control of many areas previously under its influence in North Kivu. Although the group still maintains strongholds in Rutshuru and Walikale, multiple reports indicate that it has displayed extreme brutality, retaliating against civilian populations by killing them and burning entire villages.
Residents of these areas say the continued violence perpetrated by FDLR shows that the group is under severe pressure and is trying to prove its continued existence through terror tactics. This situation continues to heighten concerns over regional security and Rwanda’s safety, especially as the group persists in seeking ways to regain the confidence of its supporters.
