U.S. Accuses Rwanda of Violating Peace Deal as M23 Rebels Seize Key Eastern Congo City

The United States has accused Rwanda of violating a U.S.-brokered peace agreement by backing a renewed rebel offensive in the mineral rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that Washington is prepared to act against those it described as “spoilers” of the deal. The accusations were delivered at the United Nations Security Council by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who said Washington was “profoundly concerned and incredibly disappointed” by the resurgence of violence led by the M23 rebel group.

The remarks come as fighting has sharply escalated in South Kivu province, where regional officials say more than 400 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. The M23 rebels have seized strategic territory, including parts of the key city of Uvira, with Congolese and regional authorities alleging the presence of Rwandan Special Forces in the area claims Kigali has previously denied. The eastern Congo region, rich in critical minerals used in global technology supply chains, has long been plagued by armed groups and cross-border tensions.

The U.S.-brokered peace deal was intended to de-escalate hostilities between Congo and Rwanda, whose relations have been strained for years over allegations that Rwanda supports M23, a claim supported by UN experts but rejected by Rwanda. The renewed violence threatens to destabilize Central Africa further, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. U.S. officials warned that continued violations could trigger diplomatic or economic consequences as Washington pushes for accountability and a return to negotiations.