In a dramatic turn of events just one week after the signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the United States has accused Rwanda of exacerbating regional tensions and contributing to a resurgence of violence in eastern DRC. This comes on the heels of a US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending over three decades of conflict between the two nations. The deal, which was signed under the urging of US President Donald Trump, had raised hopes for a potential resolution to the longstanding violence in the region. However, recent developments in the DRC, particularly the actions of the M23 militia, have cast doubt on the prospects of lasting peace.
The US Accusations: Rwanda’s Support for M23
The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, made the allegations public during a meeting of the UN Security Council on December 12, 2025. According to Waltz, Rwanda’s continued support of the M23 armed group in the eastern DRC is contributing to instability in the region. The M23, a militia group composed mostly of ethnic Tutsis, has been involved in a violent insurgency in the DRC since 2012. Despite a period of relative calm, the group re-emerged in 2021 and has since launched a series of offensives in South Kivu province, which have led to the capture of several key cities, including Uvira.
Waltz emphasized that instead of fostering progress toward peace, Rwanda’s involvement in the region is “leading the region toward more instability and toward war.” He further elaborated that the United States is “deeply concerned and increasingly disappointed” by Rwanda’s actions, pointing to the scale and sophistication of Rwanda’s support for M23. The US envoy claimed that Rwanda’s defense forces had been directly involved in the conflict, providing “materiel, logistics, and training support” to M23 fighters. Waltz also accused Rwanda’s forces of fighting alongside the militia, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Rwandan troops participating in the latest offensive.
Furthermore, the US diplomat highlighted that Rwanda had supplied advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, drones, and artillery, which have significantly enhanced M23’s military capabilities. This support has allowed the group to capture additional territory in eastern DRC and solidify its presence along the land border between the DRC and Burundi. The latest offensive, which began in December 2025, saw M23 fighters seizing the strategically important city of Uvira, a move that not only shifted the military balance but also cut off the DRC’s access to crucial military support from its neighbor, Burundi.
The M23 Offensive: A Dangerous Escalation
The M23’s current offensive is part of a broader campaign that has seen the group gain control of key cities in the region. Early in 2025, M23 fighters captured Goma and Bukavu, two major cities in North and South Kivu provinces, respectively. These territories are not only economically important but also strategically positioned along major transport routes. The loss of Uvira further complicates the DRC’s military situation, as it now faces a militia group controlling vital border regions with Burundi.
The resurgence of M23 is particularly alarming given the broader political context. Just a week earlier, the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement under the auspices of US President Donald Trump, aiming to bring an end to hostilities and promote reconciliation. The deal was hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, with hopes high that it would lead to the disarmament of militias like M23 and foster regional stability. However, the ongoing violence has called the effectiveness of the agreement into question, with many analysts suggesting that the peace process is now at risk of unraveling.
Rwanda’s Denial and Burundi’s Concerns
Rwanda has strongly denied the accusations made by the United States, with Ambassador Martin Ngoga rejecting claims that Rwanda is waging war against Burundi. Ngoga stated, “Rwanda is not waging war against the Republic of Burundi and has no intention of doing that,” emphasizing that Rwanda’s role in the conflict has been misunderstood.
At the same time, Burundi has voiced its concerns about Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of bombing Burundian territory. Burundi’s Ambassador to the UN, Zephyrin Maniratanga, warned that if Rwanda’s actions continue, Burundi would be justified in using self-defense measures. The ongoing escalation of hostilities has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with Burundi warning that military confrontation could become inevitable if the situation deteriorates further.
Calls for Action: The DRC’s Plea for Sanctions
The accusations from the United States have been met with a strong response from the DRC. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, the Congolese foreign minister, criticized the UN Security Council for its lack of action in addressing the ongoing violence. She called for the imposition of sanctions on Rwanda, accusing the country of failing to comply with UN resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC. Wagner’s statements highlighted the deep frustration within the Congolese government, which has seen city after city fall to M23 and other armed groups.
Wagner described the situation as a humanitarian disaster, noting that thousands of civilians have been displaced, and many have been subjected to horrific violence, including killings, rape, and terror. She also emphasized the stark contrast between the peace agreement signed just a week earlier and the reality on the ground, where rebel groups continue to control significant swathes of territory.
The Humanitarian Crisis: A Spiraling Conflict
The conflict in eastern DRC, exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged support of M23, has led to a spiraling humanitarian crisis. Since 2021, M23’s resurgence has displaced tens of thousands of people, many of whom have fled to neighboring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania. The violence has left communities without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care, and the lack of security has made it difficult for aid organizations to operate effectively.
The UN has condemned the violence, noting that the ongoing fighting has led to widespread human rights violations. In a recent report, UN experts stated that Rwanda’s army and M23 forces have been involved in summary executions and forced mass displacements of civilians. The humanitarian toll of this conflict continues to grow, and international pressure is mounting for a more robust response from the international community.
Conclusion: A Fragile Peace and an Uncertain Future
The situation in eastern DRC remains highly volatile, with the accusations against Rwanda adding another layer of complexity to an already fragile peace process. While the US-brokered peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda raised hopes for an end to the conflict, the recent escalation of violence underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region. The involvement of external actors, particularly Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23, has further complicated efforts to resolve the crisis.
As the conflict continues to rage, the international community faces tough questions about how to address the root causes of violence in the region, hold those responsible accountable, and provide support to the millions of civilians affected by the ongoing strife. For the people of eastern DRC, the dream of peace remains elusive, and the path forward is uncertain.
