The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to take 'concrete steps' to ease tensions amid a stalled peace process, after talks hosted by the US in Washington.
Conflict in eastern DRC has continued despite the two countries signing a peace deal with former US President Donald Trump last year.
The pledge to ease tensions comes after the US earlier this month sanctioned the Rwandan Defence Forces and four senior officials, accusing Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been blamed for escalating the conflict.
A joint statement from the DRC, Rwanda, and the US stated that they have 'agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground'.
The nations pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Rwanda would disengage its forces and lift 'defensive measures' in defined areas of DRC's territory.
In reciprocation, DRC would enhance its efforts to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that has roots in the Rwandan genocide and operates within eastern DRC.
Rwanda views the FDLR as a 'genocidal militia' that poses a threat to its security.
Despite claims to the contrary, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebels, asserting that its military actions are defensive measures against threats from armed groups in DRC.
The ongoing violence in eastern DRC, including the M23's recent occupation of Uvira, highlights the fragility of the peace process, which remains challenged by sporadic fighting despite international diplomatic efforts.
Additionally, the US has indicated that the presence of M23 forces near the Burundian border and continued Rwandan military support raises the risk of broader regional conflict.
Rwanda has criticized the US sanctions, arguing they misrepresent the reality on the ground and unfairly target one side of the conflict, while accusing DRC of violating peace agreements with offensive actions against its military.
