In eastern DR Congo's Uvira, war scars linger as calm cautiously returns. Members of the March 23 Movement (M23) stand guard in Uvira city, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on December 12, 2025. Photo by Str /Xinhua/ABC/Andia.fr
The Washington-backed peace accord between Kinshasa and Kigali faces mounting obstacles as clashes intensify in North and South Kivu. Despite imposed sanctions, Washington’s leverage appears insufficient amid a flawed diplomatic strategy.
Diplomatic deadlock derails Congo-Rwanda peace efforts
The July 15 deadline came and went without progress. Signed on June 27, 2025 under U.S. mediation—hence dubbed the “Washington Agreement”—the pact called for Rwanda’s military withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Kigali backs the Congolese politico-military faction Alliance du fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23). This group still controls most of North and South Kivu.
While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had anticipated mid-July implementation, the agreement remains stalled. Fighting has instead escalated across eastern DRC, with AFC/M23 forces advancing in key areas.
Sanctions fail to curb regional instability
Despite targeted sanctions against regional actors, Washington’s influence has proven ineffective. Analysts warn that inconsistent enforcement and diplomatic missteps have emboldened armed groups while eroding trust in international mediation efforts.
Kivu’s humanitarian crisis deepens
Civilian displacement has surged as violence spreads. Humanitarian agencies report acute shortages of food, medicine, and shelter in conflict zones, compounded by attacks on aid convoys. Aid workers describe a “catastrophic” situation requiring urgent international intervention.
Regional actors dig in their positions
Rwanda denies violating the accord, citing “self-defense” against Congolese rebel groups. Meanwhile, Kinshasa accuses Kigali of prolonging the crisis through covert support for the AFC/M23. Regional blocs have struggled to broker a sustainable ceasefire, with neighboring countries divided over sanctions and mediation tactics.
With no sign of de-escalation, the Washington Agreement’s collapse threatens to plunge eastern DRC deeper into turmoil.
