DRC and Rwanda Agree to Implement Washington Peace Deal

Following high-level talks in Washington, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have reached an agreement to implement concrete measures aimed at reducing tensions.

“The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda agreed during talks in Washington to take "concrete steps" to ease tensions and advance a peace accord struck last year, a joint statement said”

Africanews

The joint statement issued after the March 17-18, 2026 meetings indicates both nations are committed to taking significant steps toward peace.

BBC

Despite continued conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC region where Rwandan-backed M23 forces maintain control over key cities.

The discussions represent a critical diplomatic effort to break through months of stalled implementation that has allowed the conflict to persist despite the formal peace agreement.

The comprehensive agreement outlines specific coordinated measures designed to de-escalate tensions and advance the implementation of the Washington peace accord.

Key commitments include the gradual disengagement of military forces from contested areas.

Radio France Internationale

The lifting of Rwandan defensive measures in certain Congolese territories, and intensified joint operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group.

The FDLR, originally formed by former Rwandan genocide perpetrators, has been a persistent source of instability in the region.

Both sides have agreed to coordinate different phases of the peace process with monitoring provided by American mediation efforts.

The Washington agreement comes amid persistent challenges on the ground, with fighting continuing in eastern DR Congo despite the diplomatic efforts.

“DRC and Rwanda 'have agreed on concrete measures' for the implementation of the Washington agreement”

Radio France Internationale

The M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, continues to control significant portions of eastern DRC including the region's two largest cities, Goma and Bukavu.

Recent escalations have included M23 forces entering the Congolese city of Uvira near the Burundi border in what was described as the biggest escalation of the conflict in months, though they later withdrew under international pressure.

However, the M23 maintains substantial territorial control and military presence, creating ongoing security concerns that threaten the stability of the entire peace process.

The United States has played a central role in mediating the peace process, with diplomatic efforts continuing despite other strategic priorities.

While heavily focused on the Iran dossier, Washington is simultaneously working to regain initiative on the sensitive DRC-Rwanda crisis.

Radio France Internationale

The recent talks involved both military and political-diplomatic representatives from both countries, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing security and political dimensions simultaneously.

Massad Boulos, Africa adviser at the State Department, expressed optimism about the talks, describing the diplomatic engagement as occurring despite a very full diplomatic agenda and previous stalling of the peace process.

Recent escalations have significantly heightened tensions between the two nations, with drone strikes tragically resulting in civilian casualties.

“- Published The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take "concrete steps" to ease tensions amid a stalled peace process, after talks hosted by the US in Washington”

BBC

The most incident involved a French national working for the United Nations who was killed along with two other people in recent drone strikes in the region.

BBC

These attacks have become a major point of contention, with Rwanda accusing DR Congo of violating the peace agreement through 'indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives.'

Meanwhile, the DR Congo army, stationed hundreds of kilometers from the city, regularly launches long-range drone strikes targeting M23 positions.

Security sources report that M23 forces also deploy explosive drones at the front lines.

This mutual use of advanced weaponry has created a dangerous dynamic that threatens to derail the newly agreed peace measures.