Democratic Republic of Congo‑Rwanda peace pact collapses as UN says cease‑fire breached

The United Nations reports that the cease‑fire agreed in December 2023, mediated by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is being violated by both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The DRC government continues cooperation with the Hutu rebel group FDLR, linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, despite pledging to cut ties. Rwanda persists in deploying troops and backing the M23 rebel movement in eastern DRC, which now controls large territories, commits sexual violence, and is involved in illicit mineral trade.

UN experts estimate 8,000‑10,000 Rwandan soldiers in South Kivu and 6,000‑8,000 in North Kivu. The DRC has taken Rwanda to the International Court of Justice over the violence. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on the Gold Refinery Gasabo in Rwanda, accusing it of coordinating with M23 to smuggle minerals.

The report highlights the complex links between armed groups, mineral exploitation, and regional security, suggesting the peace agreement is effectively broken.