US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has admitted that the fragile peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has suffered setbacks, even as Washington continues to push for calm.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Friday, December 19, Rubio acknowledged that progress has stalled on the deal, despite claims by President Donald Trump that the conflict is among wars he says his administration has brought to an end. On the ground, however, violence has not stopped.
Rubio said the US remains actively involved, adding that officials have urged lawmakers from both major parties to reach out directly to regional leaders. According to him, the goal is to underline a shared, bipartisan American commitment to peace in the region.
Tensions flared again just days after the agreement was signed, when Rwanda-backed M23 fighters seized the town of Uvira in South Kivu province, drawing a strong condemnation from Washington.
Although the rebels later pulled out of Uvira, a city near DR Congo’s border with Burundi, they continue to hold two provincial capitals in eastern Congo, keeping the situation volatile.
The renewed fighting has raised doubts about the durability of the deal and highlighted the challenges still facing efforts to bring lasting stability to the region.
