The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to de-escalate tensions immediately in South Kivu province, following rising clashes between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The commitment was announced on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in a joint statement issued after the sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee held in London, which included representatives from both countries as well as the United States, Qatar, Togo, the African Union mediator, and the African Union Commission.
Both countries reaffirmed their intention to fully implement the peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025, which aims to stabilise eastern Congo and reduce cross-border tensions.
The Committee expressed concern over escalating violence in South Kivu, particularly around Minembwe, the humanitarian impact of drone strikes on civilians, and the worsening public health situation amid an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo. The agreement also calls for restraint in rhetoric and actions, with both sides urged to avoid hostile political statements and any conduct that could undermine the peace process.
The M23 rebel group, a key actor in the conflict, continues to hold significant territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including strategic urban areas captured earlier in 2025. The group, alongside the South Kivu region, remains central to the ongoing instability.
Despite previous ceasefire efforts brokered in 2025 and earlier proposals, fighting has persisted, with both Kinshasa and Kigali trading accusations of violations. The latest commitments are aimed at reinforcing trust-building measures and ensuring the full implementation of the Washington Accords, with stakeholders expressing cautious hope for a more durable peace framework in the region.