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.
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