The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to immediately de-escalate tensions in South Kivu province, where renewed fighting between the AFC/M23 rebel group and Congolese government forces has raised fears for civilians and the wider peace process.
The commitment was announced in a joint statement Thursday after the sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee in London. The meeting brought together representatives from Congo and Rwanda, as well as the United States, Qatar, Togo, the African Union mediator and the African Union Commission.
The committee expressed serious concern over the latest fighting, the impact of drone strikes on civilians and the peace process, and the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Congo, where an Ebola outbreak is also unfolding.
Congo and Rwanda agreed to “de-escalate tensions immediately, especially around Minembwe,” and to use their influence with parties on the ground to support that goal, according to the statement.
The two countries also pledged to fully implement the peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025, including provisions related to drone strikes.
The renewed push comes despite previous diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace and economic agreement on Dec. 4, 2025, following a US-brokered accord reached in June 2025.
Fighting has nevertheless intensified in recent days, according to local sources.
The AFC/M23 remains one of the main armed actors in eastern Congo. The rebel group, which the UN and Western governments say is backed by Rwanda, controls large parts of the region, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, seized in early 2025. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the group.
Kinshasa and the rebels have also accused each other of violating ceasefire arrangements, including a ceasefire proposed by Angola in February.
The Joint Oversight Committee said urgent action was needed to make the ceasefire effective. Congo and Rwanda also agreed to build trust by refraining from hostile actions or rhetoric, including political attacks that could undermine implementation of the Washington Accords.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed Wednesday that recent fighting in Minembwe had killed several civilians, including women and children, in a post on X.
There was no immediate response from Kinshasa.