US Pushes Rwanda-DRC Peace Amid Sanctions Debate and Vance’s Congo Focus

Presidents of US, Rwanda & DR Congo (File:NBC)

San Francisco, 28/01/2026

By Savanna Radio Editorial…

The United States has facilitated a major peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as the Washington Accords, signed in December 2025 to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC. President Donald Trump hailed it as “historic,” overseeing the ceremony with Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi, focusing on troop withdrawals, disarmament of militias like FDLR and M23, and economic ties around critical minerals.

The deal mandates Rwanda’s withdrawal from eastern DRC, Congo’s halt to FDLR support, and joint security mechanisms, with implementation timelines including FDLR operations by October 2025 and refugee returns. UN chief Antonio Guterres called it a “significant step” for Great Lakes stability, while the African Union welcomed it as a milestone, though M23 negotiations continue separately in Qatar.

Despite optimism, fighting persists in North and South Kivu, with mutual accusations of ceasefire violations and M23 retaining control of key areas like Goma. Critics note no firm troop withdrawal clause and question sincerity amid mineral wealth stakes, urging US pressure for enforcement. The UN and France stress humanitarian access as peace holds tenuously. US Congress is now debating sanctions on Rwanda over alleged M23 support, with hearings led by figures like Chairman Chris Smith scrutinizing peace compliance. Vice President JD Vance has seized the Congo file, pushing aggressive diplomacy to enforce the deal amid mineral access stakes and fragile ceasefires.