The United States has accused Rwanda of undermining a recently signed, US-brokered peace agreement by backing a renewed and deadly offensive by the M23 rebels. A group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sharply escalating diplomatic pressure on Kigali. Speaking before the UN Security Council, US ambassador Mike Waltz warned that Rwanda’s actions were driving the region toward greater instability. Meanwhile Washington was prepared to act against those obstructing peace efforts.
Warnins follow a rapid deterioration of security in South Kivu province. The place where officials say more than 400 civilians have been killed and around 200,000 displaced since the rebels intensified their campaign. The capture of Uvira, a port city onTanganyika and Congo’s last major government stronghold in the province, marks a significant territorial gain for M23. Which has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, particularly involving neighboring Burundi.
The latest fighting comes despite a peace accord signed in Washington last week by the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, which obliges Kigali to halt support for armed groups such as M23. Although the rebels were not party to the agreement, the surge in violence has cast doubt on its viability. Congolese authorities and UN experts accuse Rwanda of providing logistical, training, and direct military support to M23, allegations Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
Sanctions Pressure and Congo’s Mineral
Congo’s foreign minister has called for international sanctions against Rwandan military and political leaders. These involve restrictions on mineral exports, and limits on Rwanda’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The conflict in eastern Congo, where more than 100 armed groups compete for control of mineral-rich territory, has already produced one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced.
The renewed instability also carries broader geopolitical implications. Eastern Congo’s vast reserves of critical minerals have drawn growing interest from Washington. Adding another layer of strategic tension to an already volatile conflict.
Reference
Associated Press. (2025, December 13). US scolds Rwanda for breaking peace deal as M23 rebels seize key Congo city. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/13/us-accuses-rwanda-of-violating-peace-deal