US Secretary Rubio Sets Mid‑July Deadline for Rwandan Troop Withdrawal from DRC

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the peace accord signed in June 2025 between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is not being fully respected. He said the United States will keep pressure on Kigali through sanctions and other levers and urged that Rwandan forces leave DRC territory by mid‑July.

Rubio emphasized that the focus is on enforcing the existing agreement rather than negotiating a new one, noting the need to address the rebel M23 movement and the presence of Rwandan troops as a barrier to lasting peace. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on Rwandan military officials and on commanders of the M23 and FDLR groups to compel compliance.