M23 rebels take control of strategic Congo town as peace deal crumbles

The United States Accuses Rwanda of Violating Peace Agreement

On Fri, the United States accused Rwanda of breaching a peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), suggesting that Rwanda's actions could lead the Great Lakes region towards conflict.

The agreement, signed slightly over a week ago, was initially praised as a potential end to the long-standing conflict in the region. However, recent developments have cast doubt on its effectiveness.

On Wednesday, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed control over the strategic city of Uvira, a key military stronghold in eastern DRC. United Nations experts have previously accused Rwanda of exerting "de facto control" over the rebel group's operations.

The US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, expressed disappointment over the renewed violence and stated that the US would hold accountable those undermining peace efforts.

The M23 rebels, not part of the US-brokered agreement, are engaged in separate peace discussions facilitated by Qatar. Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Coordinator of the AFC-M23 rebel alliance, indicated that the Washington Accord primarily addressed Congo-Rwanda relations, with limited impact on internal conflict resolutions being negotiated in Doha.

Bisimwa emphasized the group's goal of establishing a federal system within the DRC, aiming for a balanced relationship between the provinces and the central government.

Both Kinshasa and Kigali have accused each other of violating the Washington Accord. The region remains volatile, with over 100 armed groups, including M23, competing for control in mineral-rich eastern Congo. This ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, displacing over 7 million individuals according to the UN refugee agency.

Based on reporting by Africanews.