DRC and Rwanda Agree on Measures to Ease Tensions After Washington Talks
News Updated: 19 March 2026 15:12 EAT
Rwanda and the DRC, with U.S. backing, have agreed on coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take coordinated steps to ease tensions following high-level talks in Washington, aimed at addressing the stalled peace process in eastern Congo.
The two governments issued a joint statement committing to measures designed to reduce the risk of conflict along their shared border and within volatile regions of North and South Kivu provinces.
Violence in the region has largely been driven by the M23 rebel group, which has expanded control over towns and territory, fueling insecurity and displacement.
Central to the agreement is a commitment to respect each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, signaling a mutual pledge to avoid cross-border violations.
Rwanda has agreed to disengage forces from specified areas in eastern Congo, with some defensive measures previously in place set to be lifted to lower the risk of direct confrontation.
The DRC, in turn, has pledged to intensify operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia active in eastern Congo for decades.
Both countries also emphasized the protection of civilians amid ongoing clashes, addressing humanitarian concerns that have displaced thousands of residents.
The talks build on a previous peace deal signed in Washington in June 2025, which faced delays in implementation, particularly regarding troop withdrawals and militia disarmament.
The United States played a central role in mediating the discussions, including applying diplomatic pressure to encourage compliance with previous agreements and reduce regional tensions.
Despite the diplomatic progress, the security situation on the ground remains fragile, with clashes continuing between government forces and armed groups in affected provinces.
Observers caution that the success of the Washington agreement depends on sustained follow-through by both governments, including troop withdrawals, civilian protection measures, and operations against armed groups such as M23 and the FDLR.
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FELIX MAKONA
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