Rwandan troops remain in eastern DRC despite US July 15 deadline

On July 15, 2026 the United States, through State Secretary Marco Rubio, set a public deadline for the withdrawal of Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Observers reported no real disengagement; instead, troop rotations continued and the presence of roughly 14,000 Rwandan soldiers in North‑Kivu and South‑Kivu persisted. A UN expert report confirmed that RDF numbers had doubled since late 2025, with direct logistical and combat support to the M23 rebel coalition, including control of strategic mining sites such as Rubaya and illicit coltan shipments to Rwanda.

The DRC foreign minister denounced the lack of international action, while the United States signalled possible new sanctions, stating “we are disappointed” with the failure to meet the withdrawal pledge. The ongoing deployment sustains security and humanitarian concerns across the region.