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In Pictures: FDLR rebels in the DR Congo

The FLDR, one of the DR Congo’s largest armed groups, aims to overthrow the current Rwandan government.

A view of Buleusa - a village in the North Kivu region - early in the morning. Members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FLDR) have been found here.

By Michele Sibiloni

Published On 9 Mar 2014

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Buleusa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo says it is clearing all the armed groups out of the east of the country by force.

The largest group is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. Known as the FDLR, its ranks include armed members of one of the militia that carried out the 1994 Rwanda genocide, who have been in neighboring Congo ever since.

The Congolese army says it will attack the FDLR, with UN support, within a matter of weeks – if they don’t surrender. Some of their members are accused of genocide, mass rape and trying to overthrow the Rwandan government.

FDLR members protect their headquarters in Buleusa. The group(***)s ranks include members of the militia that carried out the 1994 Rwanda genocide, who have been in neighbouring Congo ever since.
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Many FDLR members are accused of genocide, mass rape and trying to overthrow the Rwandan government.
A stack of AK47s inside a hut at the FDLR headquarters in Buleusa. FDLR claims that they have laid down their arms - but the UN claims otherwise.
Children dry maize in Buleusa. North Kivu has been wracked with conflict for decades.
Women wait to collect water in the village of Buleusa early in the morning.
A view of the village of Buleusa early in the morning.
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FDLR members protect themself from the rain in grass huts outside the militia(***)s headquarters in Buleusa village.
The FDLR consists of Hutu fighters and families that fled Rwanda after the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) took over the country in 1994.
Current FDLR president Victor Byringiroprepares to give a speech to his soldiers in Buleusa.
The official number of FDLR fighters remains unknown, but the UN claims the number could reach into the thousands.
The Congolese army says it will attack the FDLR, with UN support, within a matter of weeks if they don(***)t surrender.