Central Africa: Kivu - One Year After the Washington Agreement, Fighting Continues on the Ground
27 June 2026
The security situation remains unchanged in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the signing one year ago of the peace agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali in Washington. On the front lines, clashes between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the AFC/M23 rebel movement continue, severely affecting civilian populations.
Signed on June 27, 2025, the "Washington Agreement" aimed to end the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda. Its main provisions included the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo within 90 days, as well as the end of Kinshasa's support for fighters of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
However, on the eve of the first anniversary of this largely unimplemented agreement, the United States again called, in a statement issued on June 25, 2026, for the total withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern DRC "without further delay."
Persistent clashes and a worsening humanitarian crisis
On the ground, the war continues to rage. The territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Walikale in North Kivu, as well as those of Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga in South Kivu, remain the most affected by the violence.
The fighting has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians forced to flee their villages. Material destruction is also significant, while the parties to the conflict increasingly resort to heavy artillery and drone attacks.
Economically, certain strategic sites remain beyond the control of the Congolese state. This is particularly the case for the coltan site in Rubaya, which remains under the control of the AFC/M23 rebels, accused of being supported by Rwanda. In several occupied areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, they have also set up parallel administrations.
Non-compliance with the agreement denounced at the Security Council
On June 26, 2026, the issue of non-compliance with the commitments made under the Washington Agreement was widely discussed before the United Nations Security Council.
Speaking, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the persistent failures of the parties involved.
"Despite progress, the parties continue to fail to honor their obligations. The DRC has not honored its obligations for the neutralization of the FDLR, at least in the areas it controls. At the same time, Rwanda has not honored its commitments to disengage the Rwandan defense forces," he said.
He also called into question Rwanda's role in the conflict:
"It continues to support the M23. Progress on these two fronts has been needed for a very long time, and excuses are no longer acceptable, nor are delays."
Reaffirming Washington's position, he added:
"As we have proven, the United States will ensure that those who undermine peace in the DRC are held accountable."
Sanctions already in place
The US official recalled that sanctions have already been taken to enforce commitments.
"In March, for example, we sanctioned the RDF for their support, training, and active fighting alongside the M23," he said.
He also mentioned a recent measure:
"And yesterday, we sanctioned a network working in coordination with the M23 to illegally export minerals from the DRC to Rwanda."
Massad Boulos insisted on the need to prioritize the diplomatic path:
"Our message to the parties is clear: cease this quest for a military solution to this conflict, a quest that is too dangerous, and respect the agreed framework for peace."
He finally issued a stern warning:
"Any inaction, any further obstruction by the parties will result in additional retaliatory measures."
Mediation still ongoing
These statements are part of the mediation led by the United States, which was behind the peace agreement signed in Washington between the DRC and Rwanda.
For the record, this agreement followed negotiations conducted under the joint mediation of the United States and Qatar. The main rebel group, AFC/M23, which was not a signatory, is nevertheless continuing parallel discussions with the Congolese government in Doha.
One year on, despite these diplomatic initiatives, the situation remains fragile and lasting peace remains elusive.
