Rwanda, DRC agree to "ease tensions" after talks in Washington
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to implement "concrete steps" to reduce tensions and advance a peace accord established last year, according to a joint statement.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to implement "concrete steps" to reduce tensions and advance a peace accord established last year, according to a joint statement.
Conflict persists in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, where the M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, controls key cities despite a peace agreement signed with the United States last year.
On Sat, Mar 17, 2026, and Sun, Mar 18, 2026, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda convened in Washington, D.C. They reached an agreement on concrete steps to further implement last year's accord, as stated in a joint US-DRC-Rwandan statement.
This new pledge follows recent actions by the United States, which increased pressure on Rwanda over the conflict by imposing sanctions on its military and visa restrictions on unspecified senior officials.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to implement "concrete steps" to reduce tensions and advance a peace accord established last year, according to a joint statement.
The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated on Thu, Mar 2, 2026, that thousands of Rwandan troops are stationed in eastern DRC, where they actively engage in combat operations and support M23's territorial control.
Rwanda criticized the US sanctions, claiming they "unjustly targeted only one party" and accused the DRC of violating the peace agreement through "indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives."
Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 and has consistently urged Kinshasa to address the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Hutu militants linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
The joint statement issued on Wed, Mar 20, 2026, declared that both countries agreed on "a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground."
A mutual commitment to support each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The scheduled disengagement of forces and lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in specified areas within DRC territory. Time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR. The protection of all civilians.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
