WASHINGTON, Mar 19 – Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to de-escalate tensions and take concrete steps toward lasting peace following high-level talks in Washington.
Officials from both countries reached the agreement during meetings held on March 17 to 18, according to a statement by the United States Department of State.
The discussions focused on implementing a peace framework brokered with the support of Donald Trump last year, with both sides committing to measures aimed at preserving sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As part of the agreement, Rwanda is expected to disengage forces and lift defensive measures in designated areas within Congolese territory, while both countries pledged mutual cooperation to stabilise the region.
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions in eastern Congo, where conflict involving the M23 rebel group has intensified in recent months.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military and several senior officials over alleged backing of the rebel group, a move Kigali criticised as one-sided.
Meanwhile, Congolese authorities have faced scrutiny over reported coordination with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), despite earlier commitments to neutralise the militia.
Kinshasa has now pledged to step up efforts to dismantle the FDLR and enhance civilian protection as part of broader efforts to restore stability in the conflict-affected region.
