M23 rebels detained a senior FDLR militia member known as Tokyo after wounding him in combat near Masisi in North Kivu province. The fighter, whose actual name is Yoweri, received medical treatment from his captors before transfer to authorities on Saturday, according to rebel administration official Willy Manzi.
The FDLR formed from groups responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide and has operated in eastern Congo for over 25 years. Tokyo faces accusations of murder, sexual assault and property destruction alongside other militia commanders in the region.
Rwanda sanctioned 25 terrorism suspects this month as part of efforts to eliminate the militia. The United States and the United Nations previously imposed restrictions on the organization for civilian attacks and ethnic violence.
A June agreement between Rwanda and Congo aimed to dismantle the FDLR through American mediation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the pact at the Washington talks earlier in October despite implementation challenges.
The FDLR formed from groups responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide and has operated in eastern Congo for over 25 years. Tokyo faces accusations of murder, sexual assault and property destruction alongside other militia commanders in the region.
Rwanda sanctioned 25 terrorism suspects this month as part of efforts to eliminate the militia. The United States and the United Nations previously imposed restrictions on the organization for civilian attacks and ethnic violence.
A June agreement between Rwanda and Congo aimed to dismantle the FDLR through American mediation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the pact at the Washington talks earlier in October despite implementation challenges.
