Felix Tshisekedi, the Congolese president, has accused Rwanda of breaking the commitments both countries made in Washington only days ago, warning lawmakers in Kinshasa that fresh rebel advances show “a deliberate refusal to honour the path to peace”.
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Tshisekedi said the latest fighting in the east of the country “is evidence that Rwanda has chosen force over dialogue”. He urged the international community to pay closer attention to what he described as “actions that contradict signatures”.
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His remarks came as deadly clashes and rebel movements undermined a United States and Qatar-backed initiative intended to end years of conflict in the mineral rich border region. The US State Department called the situation “deeply concerning” and urged Rwanda to prevent any further escalation.
“Rwanda, which continues to provide support to M23, must prevent further escalation,” a State Department spokesperson said.
Fresh rebel gains and rising civilian toll
Over the weekend, residents told Reuters that Rwanda backed M23 fighters seized the village of Luvungi near the Burundi border and held a public meeting there. Rwanda denies supporting the group.
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Some Congolese soldiers were seen retreating from the area before clashing with Wazalendo defence forces in the nearby town of Sange. By Monday, Sange had been bombed or struck with grenades, leaving as many as 36 people dead, according to local officials and humanitarian workers. It is still unclear which party fired the explosives.
The Congolese army and M23 did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Washington expresses frustration
A senior Trump administration official told Reuters that Washington was closely watching the clashes, “including areas where actions on the ground do not yet align with the commitments made”.
The official added, “The president has made clear to both sides that implementation is what he will judge, and as he stated, he is expecting immediate results.”
A fragile deal under pressure
Only last week, Rwanda and Congo reaffirmed their June peace commitments in the presence of US officials, promising to open humanitarian corridors, halt support to armed groups and begin a slow demobilisation process. The latest violence has only deepened doubts over whether those promises can survive the realities on the ground.
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In the image shared during the talks, Tshisekedi was quoted telling delegates: “Peace is not a document we sign. It is the courage to act differently when it matters.”
