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, amid a fragile and stalled peace process in eastern Congo.
In a joint statement with the US, the two countries pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Rwanda committing to disengage its forces and lift defensive measures in designated areas, while DR Congo agreed to intensify efforts to neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The renewed diplomatic push follows recent US sanctions against the Rwandan Defence Forces and senior officials over allegations of backing the M23 rebel group, which has been blamed for escalating violence in the region. Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the group, describing its military posture as defensive.
Despite a US-brokered peace deal signed in December under President Donald Trump, fighting has persisted, with M23 maintaining control over large parts of eastern DR Congo, including key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Tensions have further intensified following recent drone strikes that resulted in casualties, underscoring the fragile security environment and the urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement to stabilise the mineral-rich but volatile region.