Rwanda accused of violating peace agreement as M23 rebels capture a significant city in eastern Congo.

The United States recently accused Rwanda of undermining a U.S.-mediated peace agreement by supporting a militant offensive in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals, where over 400 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz expressed profound concern over the resurgence of violence by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. He warned that the U.S. is prepared to take action against entities perceived as “spoilers” of the peace process, urging Rwanda to respect the territorial integrity of Congo and to halt its military interventions.

The M23 offensive intensified despite a peace agreement signed in Washington just days prior, aimed at resolving long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although Rwanda was included in the discussions, the M23 rebel group did not participate in the negotiations, and the agreement obliges Rwanda to cease all support for armed groups in the region. Despite this, the M23’s control of key areas, including the strategic port city of Uvira, poses significant risks for regional stability.

The clash has ramifications that extend beyond Congo, as the conflict threatens to spill over into Burundi, which has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for years. Reports indicate that civilians fleeing the violence have crossed into Burundi, raising fears of regional instability. Humanitarian crises are exacerbated by the ongoing violence, with over 200,000 people displaced and about 7 million in total affected by the conflict, according to estimates from the United Nations.

Congo’s Communication Ministry has confirmed M23’s seizure of Uvira, which marks a pivotal shift in control, as the city represents the last major hold for the Congolese government in South Kivu, following the fall of Bukavu earlier this year. Waltz emphasized the need for the U.S. to engage with all parties involved to promote restraint and avert further escalation.

In addition to emphasizing accountability, Waltz’s statements mirror growing frustrations within the Congolese government. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions against Rwandan military and political leaders who have been implicated in the ongoing violence, citing the potential collapse of the peace process as a major concern.

As tensions persist, the humanitarian situation is critical, with the U.N. noting that over 100 armed groups compete for control in eastern Congo, further complicating the peace landscape. The ambivalence and shifting allegiances, coupled with the region’s mineral wealth, continue to attract international attention, most notably from the United States, which seeks to navigate geopolitical challenges related to sourcing critical minerals.

Media News Source highlights that the conflict raises profound concerns as Cambodia grapples with the necessity of ensuring that peace remains a priority to foster economic stability and prosperity in the region. The collaboration between national governments and international partners will be essential in finding a sustainable resolution to this multifaceted crisis.