21 - 27 September 2015

Compiled by Berta Furstova

Report content:

1. Rwanda and DRC held talks on FDLR
2. Kigali dismisses HRW report on unofficial detention centre

1. Rwanda and DRC held talks on FDLR

Private but pro-government newspapers.

New Times, 25th September 2015. “FDLR at heart of fresh talks between Rwanda and DRC” by Eugene Kwibuka

• On September 24, Rwanda and DR Congo held a closed-door high-level bilateral meeting in Kigali, first such meeting since June 2012. Rwanda’s Defence minister James Kabarebe and his Congolese counterpart Aimé Lusa-Diese Ngoi-Mukena described a fresh round of security talks as “a new chapter” in their bilateral relations.
• At the top of the agenda was the issue of FDLR. Both sides had agreed to urgently move to eradicate FDLR. Both sides also committed to subsequently cooperate in the repatriation of FDLR combatants, as well as to ensure the return to the Congo of the former members of the M23 rebels.
• It was also resolved that a meeting of Chiefs of Defence/General Staff supported by respective Chiefs of Military Intelligence will soon be held in Kigali. This planned meeting would develop practical ways to eradicate FDLR.
• Minister Kabarebe also confirmed that bilateral security meetings would be more regular and added that the UN and other regional actors “can only come in to support bilateral efforts.” 

2. Kigali dismisses HRW report on unofficial detention centre

Private but pro-government newspapers

New Times, 25th September 2015. “Govt dismisses HRW report of 'unofficial detention centre'” by James Karuhanga

• Human Rights Watch has recently released a report claiming that the Rwandan government operates an unofficial detention centre naming Gikondo Transit Centre in Kigali, where are unlawfully holding some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
• Rwandan authorities have objected that the centre serves only as a transit centre for people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law focusing on rehabilitating and reintegrating them.
•  “It is unfortunate that Human Rights Watch has again chosen to deliberately mislead people with false statements that serve only to undermine Rwanda’s efforts to provide a better life for its citizens,” reads part of the government statement.