The warning follows renewed fighting in eastern DRC, where the Rwanda-linked M23 rebel group has continued to advance despite the signing of the Washington Accords on December 4.
The deal was signed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and witnessed by several African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto.
In a statement shared on Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would take action to ensure Rwanda complies with the commitments made under the agreement, which was brokered under President Donald Trump.
“Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed under President Trump, and the United States will act to ensure promises made to the President are kept,” Rubio said.
The statement comes amid escalating clashes in eastern Congo, where M23 fighters have captured several strategic areas, including the key lakeside town of Uvira near the Burundi border. The renewed violence has raised fears that the fragile peace deal could quickly unravel.
Rwanda has strongly rejected the accusations. Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe accused the international community of selective outrage, saying Rwanda had already briefed global partners on the situation.
“Rwanda is surprised that some voices have suddenly woken up only after the AFC/M23 retaliated, despite the international community being fully informed and having its own means of verification,” Nduhungirehe said.
At the United Nations, the United States went further, accusing Rwanda of directly fuelling instability in eastern Congo.
In a statement shared on Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would take action to ensure Rwanda complies with the commitments made under the agreement, which was brokered under President Donald Trump.
“Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed under President Trump, and the United States will act to ensure promises made to the President are kept,” Rubio said.
The statement comes amid escalating clashes in eastern Congo, where M23 fighters have captured several strategic areas, including the key lakeside town of Uvira near the Burundi border. The renewed violence has raised fears that the fragile peace deal could quickly unravel.
Rwanda has strongly rejected the accusations. Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe accused the international community of selective outrage, saying Rwanda had already briefed global partners on the situation.
“Rwanda is surprised that some voices have suddenly woken up only after the AFC/M23 retaliated, despite the international community being fully informed and having its own means of verification,” Nduhungirehe said.
At the United Nations, the United States went further, accusing Rwanda of directly fuelling instability in eastern Congo.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz alleged that Rwandan defence forces had provided weapons, training, and logistical support to the M23 rebels and were actively fighting alongside them.
According to Waltz, Rwanda has deployed between 5,000 and 7,000 troops in support of the armed group, claims Kigali has consistently denied.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned that the latest attacks pose a serious threat to the territorial integrity of the DRC, particularly in the volatile eastern region. He cautioned that continued fighting could lead to the gradual fragmentation of the country.
The crisis has also drawn in neighbouring states. Burundi’s ambassador to the UN accused Rwanda of carrying out cross-border bombings, further heightening regional tensions.
However, Rwanda’s UN envoy Martin Ngoga dismissed the allegations, insisting that Kigali has no intention of going to war with Burundi.
“Rwanda is not waging war against Burundi and has no plans to do so,” Ngoga said.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government has stepped up calls for international action. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing the body of failing to respond decisively as violence escalates.
The Washington Accords were intended to halt years of fighting in eastern DRC, a region plagued by armed groups and regional rivalries.
According to Waltz, Rwanda has deployed between 5,000 and 7,000 troops in support of the armed group, claims Kigali has consistently denied.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned that the latest attacks pose a serious threat to the territorial integrity of the DRC, particularly in the volatile eastern region. He cautioned that continued fighting could lead to the gradual fragmentation of the country.
The crisis has also drawn in neighbouring states. Burundi’s ambassador to the UN accused Rwanda of carrying out cross-border bombings, further heightening regional tensions.
However, Rwanda’s UN envoy Martin Ngoga dismissed the allegations, insisting that Kigali has no intention of going to war with Burundi.
“Rwanda is not waging war against Burundi and has no plans to do so,” Ngoga said.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government has stepped up calls for international action. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing the body of failing to respond decisively as violence escalates.
The Washington Accords were intended to halt years of fighting in eastern DRC, a region plagued by armed groups and regional rivalries.
The latest developments now threaten to undermine US-led diplomatic efforts and further destabilise the Great Lakes region.
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