The United States has raised alarms over escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a series of ceasefire violations by the M23 rebel group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda.
Since October 20, 2024, the armed group has defied the peace agreement in place, continuing to engage in military activities in the volatile North Kivu province, sparking fears of further instability in the region.
In a statement released on November 8, 2024, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called for the immediate cessation of hostilities by M23 and demanded the group withdraw from its positions in Walikale territory.
The U.S. also reiterated its longstanding position that Rwanda must pull its forces from the DRC, including surface-to-air missile systems, which have reportedly been deployed in the region.
“The United States is deeply alarmed by the ongoing violations of the ceasefire in the eastern DRC, particularly by the M23 armed group,” Miller said.
“This blatant disregard for peace agreements only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians in North Kivu.”
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been simmering for years, fueled by the involvement of various armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which is sanctioned by both the U.S. and the United Nations.
The U.S. has also called on the DRC government to end its collaboration with the FDLR and take immediate steps to demobilize the group.
“The U.S. calls on the DRC government to immediately cease all collaboration with the FDLR and to take concrete steps to demobilize such groups,” Miller added.
“It is essential that the DRC restore its security without relying on destabilizing foreign or militant forces.”
In a positive development, the Luanda Process—an initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC—has made some headway.
Under the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço, the process has seen the establishment of the Angola-led Reinforced Verification Mechanism and agreements on how to deal with the FDLR.
However, the U.S. stresses that all parties must uphold these agreements to prevent the region from spiraling further into conflict.
“We recognize the steps taken under the Luanda Process, but these efforts must be fully respected by all parties involved,” Miller said.
“Regional peace can only be achieved if all sides live up to their commitments and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.”
As the international community watches closely, the pressure mounts for all stakeholders to prioritize civilian protection and uphold the sovereignty of the DRC and its neighbors. The United States continues to push for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the instability in the Great Lakes region.