FDLR’s False Prophecies and Leadership Turmoil: A 30-Year Standstill in the DRC

The FDLR has been entrenched in the DRC’s forests for 30 years, biding its time to strike Rwanda and seize power.

False prophecies have sown chaos among the group’s leadership.

Lt. Gen Byiringiro Victor, now 75, still dreams of ruling from Village Urugwiro, deceived by these false prophecies.

The FDLR claims to stand on three pillars, with the strongest being prayer-driven prophecies. These rituals occur within groups like “Jesus Saves” and “Wake Up and Fight,” closely monitored by certain officers. Within the Major General’s headquarters, a general oversees these activities.

These groups have often spread false prophecies to retain followers and young soldiers. Prayer members have been manipulated to create messages that stir conflicts among FDLR leaders, targeting those they want to eliminate.

Evidence shows these individuals do not work with divine guidance, as it is written that God does not lie. For instance, the FDLR’s 2000 Operation Oracles of the Lord (OS), known in Kinyarwanda as the Miracle of the Lord, was led by Col. Bemera and ended in his capture, despite a prophecy that he would become Rwanda’s Chief of Staff.

Other prophecies claimed that by July 2024, the FDLR would have overthrown the Kigali government, aided by Wazalendo, FARDC, and other foreign forces. A commander from the Nyatura groups told Rwandatribune that this message began circulating in January 2024, unaware of the current reality.

He said, “FDLR prayer members claimed we Wazalendo would celebrate New Year 2025 in Kigali. Instead, M23 has pushed us to Walikale and Masisi, taking over our territories. Lt. Gen. Rumuri is hiding in the Lubero forests, crying in despair. The FDLR shouldn’t rely on Congo, which is also in turmoil.”

The FDLR was established in 2000 following the dissolution of PARIL/ALIR, led by Gen. Major Rwarakabije. Currently, Lt. Gen. Iyamuremye Gaston, known as Rumuri Byiringiro Victor, leads the group. His deputy is Lt. Gen. Appolinaire Hakizimana, alias Amikwe Lepic/Poète, with Gen. Maj. Ukwishaka Bonane Busogo as the Commissioner of Security. The Chief of Staff of the FDLR/FOCA army is Gen. Maj. Ntawunguka Pacifique, known as Omega. Most of the senior leaders, at the rank of general, are aged 65 or older.