Diplomatic Efforts: DR Congo and Rwanda Seek Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri Mar 20 2026 01:24:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a significant development, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions following a series of discussions in Washington, D.C. The US-brokered talks aim to address a persistent conflict exacerbated by mutual allegations of cross-border aggression.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have committed to practical measures to mitigate ongoing hostilities, as announced after recent talks hosted by the US. This agreement comes in the wake of the US sanctioning Rwandan military officials for their alleged role in supporting rebel factions in DRC, a move that underscores the complexities of regional security and the challenges of the peace process. Both nations have pledged to respect sovereignty while addressing threats from armed groups. However, tensions remain heightened with sporadic violence in eastern DRC.

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 DRC 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, accusing Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebel group, blaming it for escalating the conflict.

A joint statement by DRC, Rwanda, and the US says they have agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance 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 DRC's territory.

In turn, DRC committed to intensifying 'time-bound' efforts to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and still active in eastern DRC.

Rwanda describes the FDLR as a 'genocidal militia' and states that its presence in eastern DRC poses a threat to its territory. Despite overwhelming evidence, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, claiming its military presence is a necessary defensive measure against threats posed by armed groups in DRC.

Fighting has persisted in eastern DRC despite the US-brokered peace deal in December aimed at ending the long-running conflict. Following the signing ceremony, the M23 entered the Congolese city of Uvira, marking a significant escalation. Although pressure from the US led to their withdrawal, they still control large parts of eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu.

Earlier in March, the US announced sanctions against Rwanda, indicating that the M23's further presence near the Burundian border, coupled with Rwandan military support, increases the risk of escalating conflict into a broader regional war. Rwanda criticized these sanctions as biased, accusing the DRC of violating peace agreements through indiscriminate drone attacks.

Recent drone strikes have exacerbated tensions in DRC, with reports of casualties, including a French national working for the UN. The DRC army continues long-range drone strikes against M23 positions, while the rebels reportedly use explosive drones in combat.