Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – In a significant blow to the remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has taken custody of Brigadier-General Ezechiel Gakwerere, a senior intelligence operative and one of the most wanted fugitives linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The handover, facilitated by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), took place at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu District, following intensified military operations in eastern DR Congo.
This development signals Rwanda’s growing influence in curbing cross-border threats and reasserting its regional security dominance.
Brig. Gen. Gakwerere is accused of orchestrating the brutal massacres in Mwurire, Rwamagana, and Kayonza during the 1994 genocide, where over a million people—primarily Tutsi and moderate Hutu—were slaughtered in one of the darkest chapters of modern history.
Beyond his involvement in the genocide, Gakwerere has been a pivotal figure in sustaining FDLR’s insurgency operations against Rwanda from the safety of DR Congo’s dense forests.
His capture underscores Rwanda’s unyielding commitment to bringing genocide fugitives to justice—no matter how long it takes.
“This handover marks a turning point in dismantling the FDLR network, which for decades has operated with impunity under the shadow of instability in eastern DR Congo,” an RDF spokesperson said.
According to RDF intelligence, Gakwerere and the 13 captured FDLR operatives had been collaborating with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Wazalendo militia, and SAMIDRC—a revelation likely to strain the already fragile relations between Kigali and Kinshasa.
For years, Rwanda has accused the Kinshasa government of harboring and integrating FDLR fighters into its national army, a claim that has fueled diplomatic tensions and cross-border skirmishes.
Gakwerere’s capture may amplify these tensions as Kigali continues to demand accountability from the Congolese leadership.
The RDF disclosed that Gakwerere—also known by the alias Sibomana—was the third-highest-ranking operative in the FDLR hierarchy after Maj. Gen. Gaston Iyamuremye (alias Victor Byiringiro) and Maj. Gen. Pacifique Ntawunguka (alias Omega).
Alongside Gakwerere, the following high-profile FDLR operatives were handed over:
- Maj. Gilbert Ndayambaje
- SM August Nsabimana
- Sgt. JMV Mupenzi (Gakwerere’s personal escort)
- Cpl Laurent Sibomana
- Cpl Patrick Ishimwe
- Cpl Concorde Ibyimanikora
- Cpl Sadam Ukwishaka
- Cpl Eric Hategekimana
- Pte Pascal Ndayambaje
- Pte Daniel Desire Rukundo
- Pte Niyonzima Ntakirutimana
- Pte Fabien Ndayambaje
- Pte Gilbert Uwudihaye
Their capture disrupts the operational chain of command within the FDLR and delivers a severe setback to their ongoing insurgency efforts.
The United Nations has placed sanctions on Gakwerere for his role in the genocide and the continued destabilization of the Great Lakes Region.
While the RDF has not disclosed the exact legal process awaiting him, experts suggest that Rwanda is preparing a comprehensive prosecution to ensure he faces justice for his crimes.
Rwanda’s resolve to pursue genocide perpetrators remains unwavering, and Gakwerere’s capture is viewed as part of a broader strategy to dismantle armed groups that threaten the nation’s security and sovereignty.
“The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but in Rwanda, they never stop turning,” remarked a senior government official, signaling Kigali’s long-term commitment to eliminating every remnant of the forces responsible for the 1994 atrocities.
As FDLR’s leadership crumbles, questions arise over DR Congo’s handling of rebel factions within its borders. Kigali’s ability to secure high-profile arrests through alliances with regional military groups such as M23 indicates an expanding security network beyond its borders.
With FDLR’s former leaders—Ignace Murwanashyaka and Sylvestre Mudacumura—either dead or in custody, the group’s future hangs by a thread. However, the RDF warns that splinter factions may still be hiding in Walikale, Lubero, and Mwenga, posing an ongoing threat.
