Politics 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rwanda and DRC Agree on De-escalation Measures in US-Brokered Washington Talks
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have committed to coordinated steps to reduce tensions in eastern Congo during meetings in Washington, amid US accusations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels. The agreement includes troop disengagements, FDLR neutralization efforts, and protections for sovereignty and civilians. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/rwanda-congo-agree-on-steps-to-de-escalate-tensions-in-washington-meeting-5396090
The United States facilitated discussions in Washington between representatives from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday and Wednesday. The talks focused on reviving the stalled peace efforts in eastern DRC.
This was the first meeting since the US Treasury sanctioned Rwanda’s Defence Force and four officers on March 2. Washington attributes ongoing violence to Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali rejects. M23 captured significant territory in eastern DRC following a rapid offensive in January 2025.
A joint statement from the US, DRC, and Rwanda announced agreement on steps to de-escalate and progress on the ground. Key commitments involve respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, Rwanda withdrawing forces from specific DRC areas, DRC intensifying operations against the FDLR militia within a set timeline, and safeguarding civilians.
The FDLR comprises Hutu fighters who fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. M23 claims its actions defend ethnic Tutsis in the region.
The talks follow a December peace accord signed in Washington under President Trump’s initiative to secure peace and investment. However, M23’s incursion into Uvira near Burundi soon after sparked major escalation, though they withdrew under US pressure. Recent rebel activity near the border raises fears of wider regional conflict.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)