The peace process led by the US in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces significant challenges.
Violence involving the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, has been escalating over recent months. A brief ceasefire appeared to have been established with US backing, but it seems ineffective now, leading to some of the most intense clashes the region has witnessed in a long while. If the Trump administration aims to alter the trend of unsuccessful peace talks, it must take decisive action concerning the fighters and their backers.
Peace negotiations initiated by US intermediaries after a major M23 offensive in late June aimed to stabilize eastern Congo and its provincial capitals. Diplomatic efforts seemed promising, setting the stage for a potential long-term peace agreement by late July. However, negotiations have since stalled, with the M23 increasingly disregarding ceasefire commitments and launching new offensives, particularly in North and South Kivu.
The M23’s increasing aggressiveness is evident in its operations against militiamen cooperating with the Congolese government, many of whom have extremist ties. Although these militant groups are legitimate military targets, the methods employed violate various elements of the peace accords supported by the US. Rwanda’s involvement, particularly in advisory or operational roles, contradicts its commitments under the US-brokered peace framework. And even if Rwandan troops aren’t actively participating in these clashes, their presence has been substantial since early 2025. The failure of international pressure to curb M23’s actions also undermines Rwanda’s peace obligations.
The Congolese government has similarly failed to uphold its commitments within the US-supported framework, allowing various militia groups to regularly assault M23 positions. This inability to control local factions results in frequent human rights violations and ethnically motivated violence. With M23 under constant threat, expecting them to refrain from counterattacks seems unrealistic. Both the M23 and Rwanda leverage these local skirmishes to justify their military actions.
US officials need to collaborate with international partners to investigate ceasefire violations and hold those responsible accountable. Reports from various human rights organizations indicate that the M23 has committed severe abuses, including extrajudicial killings. The US has already called for explanations from the UN regarding these civilian abuses and should support ongoing fact-finding missions that require access to areas controlled by the M23. If access is denied, individuals tied to the ongoing violence should face potential sanctions both unilaterally from the US and multilaterally.
Accountability must apply to both Congolese and Rwandan actors, with the US insisting they stick to their pledges to cease hostilities. Considering further sanctions against Kinshasa and Rwanda may be necessary if they obstruct peace efforts. Also, leveraging the local economy could serve as a method of pressure, ensuring that any potential economic benefits—labeled as “peace dividends”—only come with genuine peace.
The reality of the Congolese government’s hold on various militias seems tenuous. One strategy might be to include these factions in peace discussions through the African Union, despite the Congolese government’s perception of such dialogue as a danger. Using initiatives might be crucial if the US wants to continue making strides toward peace.
The peace framework in the Democratic Republic of the Congo now faces critical testing. President Trump often highlights progress, but it hangs by a thread; his administration needs to be more assertive to safeguard these efforts. Without prompt and effective action, this framework risks becoming yet another failed peace initiative, jeopardizing the economic stability needed to sustain any future progress.
