In brief
In a significant diplomatic effort, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda have agreed to undertake coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions after talks hosted by the United States. Despite prior agreements, violence has continued, particularly due to the role of the M23 rebel group. These recent talks, in light of US sanctions against Rwanda for allegedly supporting the M23, underscore the complexities of peace efforts in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take concrete steps to ease tensions amid a stalled peace process, after talks hosted by the US in Washington.
Conflict in eastern DR Congo has continued despite the two countries signing a peace deal with US President Donald Trump last year.
The pledge to ease tensions comes after the US earlier this month sanctioned the Rwandan Defence Forces and four senior officials and accused Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebel group, blaming it for escalating the conflict.
A joint statement by DR Congo, Rwanda and the US states they have agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and make progress on the ground.
They pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Rwanda would disengage its forces and lift defensive measures... in defined areas in DR Congo's territory.
Meanwhile, DR Congo would increase time-bound efforts to neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that includes Hutu fighters involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Rwanda describes the FDLR as a genocidal militia and asserts that its presence in eastern DR Congo poses a threat to its own security.
Despite overwhelming evidence of Rwanda's support for M23, the Rwandan government has repeatedly denied the accusations, stating that its military presence is necessary for defense against threats from armed groups in DR Congo.
Fighting has persisted in eastern DR Congo despite the US-brokered peace deal in December aimed at ending the long-running conflict. Following a signing ceremony, the M23 seized the Congolese city of Uvira but later withdrew under pressure from the US, although it remains in control of significant areas, including Goma and Bukavu.
Earlier this month, while announcing the sanctions against Rwanda, the US highlighted that M23's continued presence near the Burundian border, supported by the Rwandan military, could escalate the conflict into a regional war.
In response, Rwanda condemned the sanctions as one-sided and claimed DR Congo has violated the peace agreement through indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives.
