The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda pledged concrete steps to ease tensions and implement last year’s peace accord during talks in Washington.
Conflict continues in eastern DRC, where the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group holds key cities, despite the peace deal signed with US President Donald Trump.
The joint statement said representatives met on March 17-18, 2026, agreeing to coordinated measures to further the agreement’s implementation on the ground.
The announcement follows heightened US pressure on Rwanda, including military sanctions and visa restrictions targeting senior officials amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC.
Thousands of Rwandan troops remain deployed in the region, engaging in combat and supporting M23’s territorial control, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said March 2.
Rwanda condemned the sanctions, calling them unjust and claiming the DRC violated the accord through indiscriminate drone strikes and ground offensives.
Rwandan officials deny backing M23, urging Kinshasa to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, Hutu militants tied to the 1994 genocide.
The joint statement said both nations committed to coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance tangible progress for civilians in conflict zones.
Measures include mutual respect for sovereignty, phased disengagement of Rwandan forces, intensified DRC action against the FDLR, and protection of all civilians in affected areas.
Analysts say the agreement signals cautious optimism, yet underlying mistrust and ongoing military operations may challenge its swift implementation and long-term stability.