Trump-Brokered DR Congo Peace Deal Faces Setback After Rebel Capture of Key City
Uvira Falls to M23 Rebels
The “historic” peace agreement brokered last week by former U.S. President Donald Trump between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame has suffered a major setback. The M23 rebel group has seized the strategic city of Uvira in South Kivu province, undermining the deal’s implementation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Rwanda’s role in eastern DRC as “a clear violation of” the agreement. In a post on X, he warned that the United States would act “to ensure promises made to the President are kept,” without providing further details.
Rebels Exert Pressure Amid Parallel Peace Talks
The M23 rebels, who did not sign Trump’s agreement, claimed they had “fully liberated” Uvira. Analysts note that the group has been involved in a separate peace process led by Qatar, a U.S. ally. While Rwanda denies supporting M23, its participation in the Washington ceremony implicitly signaled its influence over the rebel movement.
Experts Warn of Escalation
Political scientist Professor Jason Stearns, based in Canada, explained that M23’s action is likely aimed at gaining leverage in ongoing negotiations. He added that Rwanda may view President Tshisekedi as untrustworthy. Stearns said the assault “flies in the face of all ongoing negotiations” and could humiliate the U.S. government.
Bram Verelst, a Burundi-based researcher with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), noted that the attack might also pressure Burundi to withdraw troops stationed in eastern DRC in support of the national army.
Rising Tensions
The seizure of Uvira comes just days before Tshisekedi and Kagame traveled to Washington to formally ratify the deal. The M23 offensive risks further destabilizing an already complex conflict in eastern DRC, raising concerns among the international community and highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement.
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