FARDC launched Thursday 29 January military Operations codenamed “Sokola2” to disarm the FDLR Rwandan Rebels. The announcement was made yesterday from the city of Beni by FARDC Army Chief of Staff in a joint press conference with MONUSCO Force Commander.

According to General Didier Etumba, the FDRL Rwandan rebels, estimated to be over one thousand combatants will be disarmed by FARDC with MONUSCO’s support.

“6 months ago, I personally received instructions as Chief of Army Staff to prepare Operations against the FDLR.

There were in larger number 7 years ago, say 7,500 combatants. To date, according to all the reliable sources, there are a maximum of 1400 combatants.

So, we are launching today as DRC Armed Forces fresh operations against the FDLR to force them to lay down weapons.

Once again, we have received support from MONUSCO to conduct these Operations.
We also agreed with MONUSCO on conducting regular joint evaluations, tactically and operationally; as well as strategically.

This operation against the FDLR is part of the Operations codenamed “Sokola2“.

MONUSCO Force Commander, General Dos Santos Cruz, declared that MONUSCO will use every means at its disposal, in accordance with its mandate to assist the FARDC in disarming the FDLR.