The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take “concrete steps” to ease rising tensions following high-level talks hosted by the United States in Washington, signaling a renewed push to stabilize eastern Congo despite a fragile and stalled peace process.
The agreement comes months after a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed under President Donald Trump failed to halt fighting in the mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo, where violence involving armed groups has continued to escalate.
In a joint statement, the two countries, alongside the U.S., confirmed plans to implement coordinated measures aimed at de-escalation and restoring stability. Both nations committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Rwanda agreeing to disengage its forces and lift what it described as “defensive measures” in specific areas within Congolese territory.
Meanwhile, DR Congo pledged to intensify targeted operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, an armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and still active in eastern Congo. Rwanda has consistently labeled the FDLR a “genocidal militia” and cited its presence as a key national security threat.
Tensions between the two countries have been heightened by allegations that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebel group, a claim repeatedly denied by Kigali despite mounting international scrutiny. The United States recently imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Forces and several senior officials, accusing them of directly supporting the rebel group and contributing to instability in the region.
Despite a temporary withdrawal under U.S. pressure, M23 fighters continue to control large swathes of eastern DR Congo, including key urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu. The group’s earlier advance into Uvira, near the Burundian border, marked one of the most significant escalations in recent months.
Washington has warned that the continued presence of M23 forces near the border, combined with alleged Rwandan support, risks expanding the conflict into a wider regional war. Rwanda has rejected the accusations, arguing that sanctions unfairly target one side and misrepresent the situation on the ground.
Kigali has also accused DR Congo of violating the peace agreement through drone strikes and ground offensives, further complicating efforts to secure lasting peace in the region.
The latest diplomatic push underscores growing international concern over the prolonged conflict, with the U.S. seeking to prevent further escalation while encouraging both nations to recommit to dialogue and concrete action.