The United States has pledged to respond to Rwanda’s violation of the peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a deal brokered by President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Saturday that Kigali had demonstrably breached the terms of the agreement with Kinshasa.
Rubio vowed to take “action” following the advancement of Rwandan-backed forces in eastern DRC, though he did not specify the nature of the intended measures. In a post on social media platform X, Rubio asserted, “Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC constitute a clear violation of the Washington Accords, signed under President Trump’s auspices. The United States will take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept.”
President Trump has repeatedly highlighted the Congo-Rwanda conflict as one of several disputes he has helped resolve since assuming office in January. The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, recently launched a swift offensive in eastern Congo, seizing control of Goma and Sake, the region’s two largest cities. This escalation has raised concerns about a potential wider conflict.
The M23 is the most prominent of over 100 armed groups vying for control of eastern Congo’s mineral-rich territory. According to the United Nations, the group receives support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers. The fighting has displaced over six million people in the region, with at least 350,000 rendered homeless following the rebels’ advance towards Goma.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for further analysis.
