The United States has hosted new peace talks in Washington between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, aiming to ease tensions in eastern Congo. This marks the first meeting since the US sanctioned Rwanda’s military and several officers earlier in March, accusing them of backing the M23 rebel group—a charge Rwanda denies.
During the talks, both sides agreed on steps to reduce hostility: respecting borders, gradually pulling back troops from sensitive areas, and Congo stepping up efforts against armed groups like the FDLR. The conflict has been intense since M23 fighters seized large parts of eastern Congo in early 2025, raising fears of a wider regional war.
The US emphasized that the goal is to prevent escalation, protect civilians, and build long-term stability. Despite a peace agreement signed in late 2025, mistrust and fighting have continued, showing how fragile the situation remains.confrontation instead of peace.
