The Washington Accords, the Doha agreements, and the Montreux commitments raised hopes for a resolution in the DRC. However, the UN Group of Experts’ latest report paints a far less optimistic picture, describing the outcomes as “limited.”

Efforts to withdraw Rwandan Defense Forces and the AFC/M23 have only resulted in “tactical repositioning,” with movements of just 15 to 20 kilometers. Meanwhile, reinforcements from Rwanda, including anti-aircraft systems, continued to arrive as late as April 2026. No significant withdrawals have been observed in the weeks since.

The DRC itself shares responsibility for this impasse. The report highlights that Kinshasa failed to meet its commitment to neutralize the FDLR, which continued fighting alongside the FARDC.

Internal divisions within the AFC/M23 further complicate the situation. While figures like Corneille Nangaa and Joseph Kabila pursued ambitions to seize power in Kinshasa, most military leaders of the M23 opposed any operations beyond North Kivu and South Kivu. This disconnect between political ambitions and military realities has weakened the movement’s unity.

The report underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts, as the current approach has failed to deliver lasting peace or stability in the region.