DRC President accuses Rwanda of violating peace deal

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday accused Rwanda of failing to uphold its commitments under a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The accusations come just days after Tshisekedi attended a signing ceremony in Washington alongside Rwandan officials.

Speaking to lawmakers, Tshisekedi highlighted ongoing violence in the region, which has undermined efforts to implement the terms of recent agreements brokered by the United States and Qatar between Congo, Rwanda, and the M23 rebel group.

Over the weekend, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced near the Burundi border, seizing the village of Luvungi, according to residents who shared video footage of the rebels holding a meeting there. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels.

Clashes also erupted in the nearby town of Sange, where some Congolese soldiers fled and engaged with Wazalendo defense forces.

Reports indicate that Sange was struck by bombs or grenades, leaving as many as 36 people dead, including children, according to officials and local sources. Photographs shared by civil society groups showed bodies of civilians in non-military clothing.

The U.S. State Department urged Rwanda to prevent further escalation, noting that ongoing violence in eastern DRC is causing displacement and immense suffering.

A senior U.S. official said Washington is closely monitoring areas where actions on the ground do not align with the commitments made, stressing that implementation of the agreements is being watched closely.

Despite reaffirming their commitment to the June peace deal and signing new accords in Washington last week, tensions remain high, highlighting the fragility of efforts to stabilise the region.

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