The remarks come as fighting has sharply escalated in South Kivu province, where regional officials say more than 400 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. The M23 rebels have seized strategic territory, including parts of the key city of Uvira, with Congolese and regional authorities alleging the presence of Rwandan Special Forces in the area claims Kigali has previously denied. The eastern Congo region, rich in critical minerals used in global technology supply chains, has long been plagued by armed groups and cross-border tensions.

The U.S.-brokered peace deal was intended to de-escalate hostilities between Congo and Rwanda, whose relations have been strained for years over allegations that Rwanda supports M23, a claim supported by UN experts but rejected by Rwanda. The renewed violence threatens to destabilize Central Africa further, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. U.S. officials warned that continued violations could trigger diplomatic or economic consequences as Washington pushes for accountability and a return to negotiations.

According to Tshisekedi, Rwandan forces and Rwanda backed M23 rebels have continued operations in the DRC’s mineral rich east, despite the new security framework intended to halt hostilities, withdraw armed groups, and reopen humanitarian access corridors. “This agreement was meant to be a foundation for peace, not a document to be violated immediately,” Tshisekedi said, urging international partners to hold Rwanda accountable.

Background: Years of Conflict and International Mediation

Eastern Congo has endured chronic insecurity for more than two decades, fueled by ethnic tensions, competition over lucrative minerals, and the presence of more than 100 armed groups. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel movement claims Kigali denies.

The latest peace initiative, mediated by the United States, followed months of escalating clashes and worsening humanitarian conditions that displaced over a million people. Washington has pressed both countries to deescalate, seeing regional stability as critical for broader African security.

International Response

U.S. officials have not commented directly on Tshisekedi’s latest accusation but reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring compliance with the peace deal. Regional bodies, including the African Union and East African Community, are expected to evaluate whether violations have occurred and what corrective actions may follow.

The Rwandan government has not yet issued a response to Tshisekedi’s remarks.