Tshisekedi Accuses Rwanda of Undermining U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal as Violence Escalates in Eastern Congo

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of failing to honor commitments made under a recent U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending long-running conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich east. His remarks, delivered to lawmakers on Monday, come just days after he participated in a signing ceremony in Washington reinforcing the deal. Rwanda has yet to issue a response, while a senior U.S. official said the Trump administration is closely monitoring the situation and expects swift implementation from all parties.

Tensions have intensified as deadly clashes complicate efforts to enact agreements negotiated in recent months by the United States and Qatar between Congo, Rwanda, and the M23 rebel group. Over the weekend, M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda, an accusation Kigali denies—advanced near the Burundi border and seized the village of Luvungi. Residents who spoke to Reuters shared video evidence showing rebels holding a public meeting in the occupied area.

The violence triggered further unrest as some Congolese soldiers retreated and later clashed with Wazalendo defense forces in the nearby town of Sange. Officials reported that Sange was bombed or hit with grenades, resulting in as many as 36 deaths. The origin of the attack remains unclear, including who fired or what weapon caused the explosion. Witness accounts and civil society sources described graphic scenes showing civilian victims, including women and young children, lying lifeless amid debris.

Both the Congolese army and M23 have not yet responded to requests for comment. Despite reaffirming the peace deal in Washington last week, escalating hostilities suggest a widening gap between diplomatic commitments and realities on the ground. U.S. officials stressed that President Trump expects “immediate results,” noting that progress will be judged solely on implementation, not promises.