Peace Deal Fails: Fighting Erupts in Eastern Congo Post U.S.-Brokered Agreement

Within hours of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at stabilizing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fighting erupted in the country's eastern regions, casting doubt on the accord's effectiveness.

On December 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Washington, D.C., to sign a peace agreement intended to reaffirm a prior deal made in June. The agreement focused on stabilizing the DRC and attracting Western mining investment. Source

Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence resumed almost immediately. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, not a party to the Washington agreement, accused government forces of attacks using jets, drones, and artillery in densely populated areas. The Congolese army confirmed active clashes in South Kivu, blaming Rwandan bombings for causing civilian displacements and deaths. Source

The M23 rebel group has been active in the region, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu earlier in the year and threatening to advance toward the capital, Kinshasa. Over 7 million people have been displaced in a conflict deemed one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Source

During the signing ceremony, President Trump described the event as a "historic breakthrough" and a personal diplomatic achievement. Source

A senior M23 official claimed their forces had retaken Luberika and downed a government drone, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the conflict. Source

The peace agreement includes bilateral U.S. agreements for economic cooperation and access to rare earth minerals, aiming to reduce China's dominance in the sector. Critics argue that economic interests, particularly access to valuable minerals, rather than genuine peace efforts, are driving the negotiations. Source

The conflict in eastern Congo has claimed an estimated four to six million lives since the 1990s. Previous peace agreements have been signed, but many have failed to bring lasting stability to the region. Source

Analysts noted that while U.S. diplomacy delayed escalations temporarily, it failed to resolve fundamental disputes or ensure compliance with the peace terms. Source

The resurgence of violence in eastern DRC shortly after the signing of the U.S.-brokered peace agreement underscores the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region. While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile, raising questions about the effectiveness of such agreements and the underlying motivations driving them.