Ongoing clashes in eastern DRC a year after US-backed peace deal with Rwanda
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains trapped in a cycle of violence a year after a high-profile peace agreement was brokered between Kinshasa and Kigali. Despite the historic accord signed in Washington in June 2025, tensions between Congolese government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group have intensified, fueled by a persistent humanitarian crisis and the resurgence of Ebola in conflict-affected zones.
From diplomatic breakthrough to battlefield deadlock
Following months of negotiations mediated by the United States and Qatar, the DRC and Rwanda signed a landmark peace deal on June 27, 2025, in the presence of then-U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement aimed to end cross-border tensions and curb the influence of armed groups operating near the DRC-Rwanda border. Yet, the situation on the ground has barely shifted, with the M23 maintaining control over key territories and sporadic clashes continuing unabated.
According to political analyst Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège, the region is caught in a “frozen conflict”, where neither side has gained a decisive advantage. “Territorial gains by the rebels remain intact, while ceasefire violations persist on both sides,” he explains. “The M23 continues to expand its ranks, reinforcing its position as the dominant force on the ground.”
The humanitarian toll of persistent instability
Amid the stalled negotiations, civilians in North Kivu and surrounding provinces face the brunt of the crisis. Displacement camps are overwhelmed, and access to essential services—including healthcare—has been severely disrupted. The Ebola outbreak, which flared up in tandem with the escalation of violence, has further strained an already fragile health system.
The peace deal’s failure to translate into tangible peace has left observers questioning the durability of diplomatic solutions in the absence of enforceable commitments. With no clear pathway to demobilization or disarmament, the cycle of violence risks deepening, prolonging suffering for millions caught in the crossfire.
