The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take “concrete steps” to ease tensions following high-level talks hosted by the United States in Washington, D.C..
The renewed diplomatic effort comes despite a previous US-brokered peace agreement signed last year under President Donald Trump, which failed to stop ongoing fighting in eastern DR Congo.
In a joint statement, the two nations committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Rwanda agreed to disengage its forces and scale back “defensive measures” in specific areas of Congolese territory. Meanwhile, DR Congo pledged to intensify operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, an armed group Rwanda considers a major security threat due to its links to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when the US imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Forces and senior officials, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting its actions are purely defensive.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues across eastern DR Congo. The M23 recently advanced into the city of Uvira near the Burundi border before withdrawing under international pressure, though it still controls key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Recent drone strikes and clashes have further intensified the situation, raising fears of a broader regional war. The conflict has already claimed civilian lives and continues to destabilize the region.
While the latest agreement signals a step toward de-escalation, analysts warn that lasting peace will depend on both sides following through on their commitments and addressing the deeper causes of the conflict.
