DR Congo and Rwanda Move to De-escalate South Kivu Tensions
Leila Haddad | AA
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have pledged to de-escalate tensions immediately in South Kivu amid intensified fighting involving the AFC/M23 rebel group and government forces.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have committed to de-escalate tensions immediately in the South Kivu province, where fighting has intensified between the AFC/M23 rebel group and government forces. This commitment was made following the sixth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee in London, which included representatives from both countries, as well as the US, Qatar, Togo, and officials from the African Union.
The committee expressed serious concern about the escalating conflict, particularly the impact of drone strikes on civilians and the broader peace process, as well as the deteriorating humanitarian situation exacerbated by an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo. During the meeting, Congo and Rwanda pledged to leverage their respective influences with parties on the ground, particularly around Minembwe, to achieve de-escalation.
Key Details of the London Meeting
On December 4, 2025, a significant peace and economic pact aimed at ending the bitter fighting was signed between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. This historic agreement followed a broader peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump in June 2025.
Despite these agreements, fighting has continued to rapidly increase in recent days, with the AFC/M23 and government forces clashing amid accusations from both sides of ceasefire violations. The M23 rebel group, believed to be supported by Rwanda and a major player in this conflict, currently holds substantial control in eastern Congo, having seized provincial capitals like Goma and Bukavu earlier in 2025.
The Joint Oversight Committee responded to these developments by highlighting the urgent need for effective actions to enforce the ceasefire and voiced support for the full implementation of the 2025 Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda.
Impact of Recent Hostilities and Reactions
Tensions remain high as both the rebel group and government forces continue to accuse one another of undermining peace efforts. The M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that recent violence in the Minembwe area resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children, as social media posts on Wednesday highlighted.
There has been no immediate response from Kinshasa regarding these accusations. However, the committee underscored the importance of both countries refraining from hostile actions or inflammatory rhetoric that might hinder the Washington Accords' effectiveness.
The sustained dialogue and pledged cooperation signify a commitment from both nations to strive for stability and peace in the conflict-ridden region, albeit fraught with ongoing challenges.
Urban Governance Challenges Amid Conflict
As tensions simmer in South Kivu, cities in the region are grappling with dire humanitarian and governance challenges. The influx of displaced persons from conflict zones adds pressure to urban resources, necessitating urgent international aid and streamlined governance to manage the crisis efficiently.
From infrastructure damage due to ongoing conflicts to interruptions in essential services, urban centers like Goma and Bukavu face compounded difficulties. The local governments, in collaboration with national authorities, must work toward establishing stable administrative and service frameworks to cope with these disturbances.
Peace in the region would provide room for reconstruction initiatives and strengthen local governments' capacity to serve their populations effectively. Diplomatic resolutions, tied closely with economic and municipal recovery plans, are vital to restoring normalcy and fostering sustainable development in affected areas.
Questions That Matter
What agreement did Congo?
Congo and Rwanda agreed to immediately de-escalate tensions in South Kivu and to influence all parties on the ground to achieve this aim, as confirmed in a joint statement issued Thursday.
What has aggravated the situation in eastern Congo?
The intensified fighting between the AFC/M23 rebel group and government forces, particularly around Minembwe, has aggravated the situation in eastern Congo, along with ongoing Ebola outbreaks.