The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has taken custody of Brigadier-General Ezechiel Gakwerere, a senior intelligence chief of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and a fugitive wanted for genocide crimes.
The handover was carried out by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu district, following military operations in eastern DR Congo.
Gakwerere, a key figure in intelligence recruitment and mobilisation for the FDLR and its predecessor, the Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALiR), is accused of organising massacres of Tutsi in Mwurire, Rwamagana, and Kayonza during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Rwanda has always accused the Kinshasa government of assimilating the FDLR into its national army rank and file, claiming the Congolese government was plotting to attack Kigali.
At least a million people, the majority of them Tutsi – and moderate Hutu – were slaughtered in the ethnic pogrom between April and July 1994.
The Genocide against the Tutsi was largely carried out by the FDLR militia, who have continued to plan insurgencies on Rwanda while operating from various bases in DR Congo where they fled to after the genocide was stopped.
Gakwerere was closely associated with genocide convict Jean Baptiste Gatete wa Murambi and played an active role in insurgencies in northern Rwanda.
An Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) special operation in 1998 targeted Gakwerere, who narrowly escaped and fled back to DR Congo, where FDLR elements have long sought refuge.
Gakwerere was captured alongside 13 other FDLR fighters, including Maj. Gilbert Ndayambaje, SM August Nsabimana, and several corporals and privates.
“According to preliminary intelligence, the captives had been collaborating with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), Wazalendo militia, and SAMIDRC,” the Rwanda Defence Force said.
“Some FDLR elements are believed to have relocated to Walikale, Lubero, and Mwenga, while others may still be hiding in M23-held areas.”
Gakwerere is under United Nations sanctions and is expected to face justice for his role in the genocide. His handover marks a significant step in efforts to dismantle the FDLR, a group that has undergone multiple leadership changes.
Its former political head, Ignace Murwanashyaka, died in German custody in 2019, while its military commander, Sylvestre Mudacumura, was killed by Congolese security forces the same year.
However, the clandestine nature of the FDLR has made it difficult to track its current leadership and operational structure.
Information available suggests that Gakwerere, alias Sibomana, was the third highest ranked FDLR militia operative after Maj Gen Gaston Iyamuremye, alias Victor Byiringiro, and Maj Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka, alias Omega.
The RDF has not disclosed specific legal proceedings against Gakwerere, but authorities are expected to pursue accountability for his crimes.
The FDLR fighters handed over to RDF:
- Jean Baptiste Gakwereye (Brig Gen)
- Gilbert Ndayambaje (Maj)
- August Nsabimana (SM)
- JMV Mupenzi (Sgt, escort to Brig Gen Gakwereye)
- Laurent Sibomana (Cpl)
- Patrick Ishimwe (Cpl)
- Concorde Ibyimanikora (Cpl)
- Sadam Ukwishaka (Cpl)
- Eric Hategekimana (Cpl)
- Pascal Ndayambaje (Pte)
- Daniel Desire Rukundo (Pte)
- Niyonzima Ntakirutimana (Pte)
- Fabien Ndayambaje (Pte)
- Gilbert Uwudihaye (Pte)