The United States has accused Rwanda of violating a peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that the actions could lead to war in the Great Lakes region. The agreement, signed just over a week ago, was hailed as “historic” by US President Donald Trump and raised hopes for an end to the decades-long conflict. However, the recent capture of the strategic city of Uvira by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has raised concerns about the deal’s effectiveness.
The M23 rebels, who are not signatories to the US-brokered deal, have been accused by United Nations experts of having “de facto control” by Kigali. The US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, expressed disappointment with the renewed outbreak of violence and warned that those responsible would be held accountable. The rebels are currently participating in a parallel peace process led by Qatar, a US ally.
According to Bertrand Bisimwa, the Deputy Coordinator of the AFC-M23 rebel alliance, the Washington Accord only addresses relations between Congo and Rwanda, and has little impact on the conflict within the country. The rebel group is seeking to establish a federal system in the DRC, with a balance between the provinces and the central government. Bisimwa emphasized that their goal is not to create a Balkanized state, but rather a symmetrical system where power is shared.
The conflict in eastern Congo has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced by the fighting. More than 100 armed groups are vying for control in the mineral-rich region, with M23 being one of the most prominent. Kinshasa and Kigali have both blamed each other for the violation of the Washington Accord, which aimed to bring an end to the conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with the US and other international actors urging all parties to adhere to the peace agreement. The UN refugee agency has warned of the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, which has left millions without access to basic necessities. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see if the peace agreement can be salvaged and if a lasting solution can be found to the conflict in the DRC.