PRESS RELEASE – AFC/M23 HANDS OVER FDLR FIGHTERS TO RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE
REF:RDF/DPA/A/10/01/25
Kigali, 1 March 2025
This afternoon, the coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) officially handed over to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) a group of fighters from the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) who were captured during military operations in Eastern DRC. The handover took place at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu district.
The captives include:
Brig Gen Jean Baptiste Gakwerere
Maj Gilbert Ndayambaje
SM Nsabimana August
Sgt Mupenzi JMV (escort to Brig Gen Gakwerere)
Cpl Sibomana Laurent
Cpl Ishimwe Patrick
Cpl Ibyimanikora Concorde
Cpl Ukwishaka Sadam
Cpl Hategekimana Eric
Pte Ndayambaje Pascal
Pte Rukundo Daniel Desire
Pte Ntakirutimana Niyonzima
Pte Ndayambaje Fabien
Pte Uwiduhaye Gilbert
Preliminary information from the captives indicates their close collaboration with FARDC, Wazalendo, SAMIDRC and the mercenaries. Further findings suggest that FDLR elements have relocated to Walikare, Lubero, Mwenga, etc. However, it is very likely that some FDLR remnants are still hiding within areas currently occupied by M23.
END
More News
RDF Spokesperson lectures RICA students on sustaining Rwanda’s achievements
Bugesera, 7 July 2023
Today, the Defence and Military Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga addressed students at the Rwanda Institute for…
Defence Attachés to Rwanda briefed on RDF operations and internal as well as regional security dynamics
Kigali, 5 July 2023
Defence Attachés (DA) accredited to Rwanda today were hosted for a security briefing at Rwanda Defence Force Headquarters,…
Rugerero IDP Model Village inaugurated as Rwanda marks 29th Liberation Day Celebration
Rubavu, 4 July 2023
On behalf of HE Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda Defence Force, Rt Hon Prime…
RDF LIBERATION CUP TOURNAMENT SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES IN KIGALI
Nyarugenge, 03 July 2023
The RDF Liberation Tournament concluded today with a final football match between Republican Guard (RG) and Task Force…
RDF officers and other ranks complete Advanced Infantry Training
Nasho, 29 June 2023
More than 3,000 RDF soldiers including senior officers, junior officers and other ranks completed a six months advanced infantry…
The Senior Defence and Security Advisor to H.E. the President of the Republic of Rwanda pays a courtesy call on Mozambican Armed forces Chief of General Staff
Pemba, 27 June 2023
Today, the Senior Defence and Security Advisor to H.E. the President of Rwanda, Gen James KABAREBE paid a courtesy call on the…
Kenya Defence Forces Chief of Defence Forces visits RDF Headquarters
Kigali, 27 June 2023
Today, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla visited the Rwanda Defence Force headquarters…
EAC member states Armed Forces exercise “Ushirikiano Imara” winds up
Musanze, 26 June 2023
EAC member states Armed Forces, police personnel and civilians today concluded a two-week long Command Post Exercise (CPX)…
Senior Defence and Security Advisor to H.E. the President of Rwanda visits Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado Province
Cabo Delgado, 23 June 2023
The Senior Defence and Security Advisor to H.E. the President of Rwanda and Commander-In-Chief of Rwanda Defence Force,…
RDF Liberation Cup Tournament Competition reaches Quarter-Finals
Kigali, 21 June 2023
The Rwanda Defence Force Liberation Cup Tournament has reached the quarter finals.
Teams that qualified played today with…