DRC Accuses Rwanda of Peace Deal Breaches as M23 Advances. Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo — December 9, 2025 LEAD PARAGRAPH The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, has publicly accused Rwanda of breaching a recently signed peace deal, as the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group intensifies its offensive in the country’s east. Tshisekedi’s allegations follow the signing of a US-mediated agreement on December 4 aimed at resolving years of conflict.
The DRC president told lawmakers that Rwandan forces have conducted attacks in South Kivu province, contradicting the peace deal’s commitments. He alleged that these attacks occurred immediately after the agreement was signed in Washington, DC. Rwanda has denied these accusations, with its foreign minister calling them “ridiculous “and a strategy to shift blame.
Despite the peace deal, the M23 has made significant gains. Reports indicate that the group is advancing on the town of Uvira, near the Burundi border, threatening the last major urban center in South Kivu province. Local and military sources cited by Reports indicate that hundreds of Congolese and Burundian troops have taken refuge in Burundi due to the M23’s advance.
In addition, there have been reports of clashes near Luvungi and the town of Sange, with as many as 36 people reportedly killed in Sange. Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an attack by Rwanda on its soil, near Cibitoke, which injured two people, including a child. Regional officials and the US State Department have expressed concern over the ongoing violence.
A senior Trump administration official emphasized the need for Rwanda to prevent further escalation and align actions with the commitments made in the peace deal.
The situation in eastern DRC remains fluid, with the peace deal’s effectiveness under scrutiny. Further developments and reactions from the involved parties are expected in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
