Conflict persists between Congo and Rwanda despite promises of peace

Violence continued to flare in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, following a meeting in Washington where U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Congolese and Rwandan leaders to formalize agreements intended to end long-standing conflict in the mineral-rich region.

During Thursdays summit, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame reaffirmed their commitment to a U.S.-facilitated accord reached in June aimed at stabilizing the region and encouraging increased Western investment in mining.

Were working to resolve a conflict that has lasted for decades, Trump said, highlighting his administrations global diplomatic interventions.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, intense fighting persisted on the ground, with both sides blaming each other for attacks. The Rwandan-supported AFC/M23 rebel group, which captured the two largest cities in eastern Congo earlier this year and is not a signatory to the Washington agreement, accused government forces of launching widespread assaults.

The rebel group reported that 23 people were killed and several injured in bombardments affecting towns in South Kivu province. A Congolese army spokesperson confirmed ongoing clashes and alleged Rwandan airstrikes in the area.

Analysts suggest that while U.S. diplomatic engagement temporarily slowed the escalation, it did not resolve the underlying tensions, with neither Congo nor Rwanda fully honoring commitments from the June deal.

Online videos depict dozens of displaced families fleeing on foot with their belongings and livestock near Luvungi in South Kivu. These videos have not been independently verified. AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the destruction of homes and tragic civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, attributing the attacks to government forces using fighter jets, drones, and heavy artillery.

Government sources confirmed clashes along the Kaziba, Katogota, and Rurambo axis in South Kivu, noting significant population displacement due to indiscriminate bombardment. Rwandan authorities did not provide immediate comment.

A senior AFC/M23 official claimed that rebel forces had regained control of Luberika and shot down a Congolese army drone, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict on the ground is disconnected from the Washington agreement.

Author: Zoe Harrison