The
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda is the primary remnant Rwandan
Hutu rebel group in the east of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is often referred to as simply the
FDLR after its original
French name: the
Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda. It has been involved in fighting from its formation on 30 September 2000 throughout the last phase of the
Second Congo War and the fighting which has continued since then. It is composed almost entirely of ethnic
Hutus opposed to
Tutsi rule and influence in the region. The FDLR was formed after negotiations between the
Army for the Liberation of Rwanda and the remnant Hutu military command agreed that the ALiR be dissolved. Paul Rwarakabije was appointed commander in chief of the entire force, but ALiR had to accept the political leadership of the FDLR.