The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to de-escalate tensions and accelerate progress in implementing the Washington Peace Agreement, part of the broader Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.
According to a statement issued by the United States on Thursday, March 18, representatives from both the DR Congo and Rwanda met in Washington D.C. from March 17 to 18 to review progress on the agreement.
ALSO READ: AFC/M23 Accuses Kinshasa of Escalating Fighting in South Kivu
The accord was originally signed on December 4, 2025, by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The latest discussions build on earlier talks held in Doha, Qatar, where both countries—alongside mediation efforts by Qatar and engagement with the AFC/M23—agreed to pursue a peaceful resolution through political dialogue.
In the joint statement, the two countries committed “to support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the scheduled disengagement of forces and lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in defined areas in DRC territory, time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians.”
“The DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitments under the Washington Accords to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, fighting between the M23/AFC and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues in South Kivu along with its allies—including FDNB (Force de Défense Nationale du Burundi), FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), mercenaries, and Wazalendo militias—bombing using kamikaze drones targeting densely populated areas, as stated by the rebels.
ALSO READ: Drone attack kills UN staff in Goma
Kinshasa administration accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels—an allegation Rwanda has consistently denied.
Doha talks between AFC/M23 and Kinshasa administration have so far failed to produce a breakthrough, as fighting continues on the ground.
