The United States government has accused Rwanda of violating the Washington Accord, a peace agreement aimed at ending the decades-long conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The accord, signed in Washington, DC last year, seeks to de-escalate tensions by requiring the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC and the cessation of support to armed groups, while also addressing Kinshasa’s obligation to neutralise the FDLR militia. The agreement further promotes regional economic integration, particularly in the critical minerals sector, with support from the United States. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on the Great Lakes region, Tammy Bruce said both Rwanda and the DRC had yet to fully meet their commitments under the agreement. She noted that the Washington Accords Joint Declaration had initially created momentum for direct engagement and renewed hope for sustained diplomacy between the two countries. “We fully expect the complete and timely implementation of all elements of the agreement to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region,” Bruce said. She commended Qatar for facilitating direct engagement between the DRC government and the M23 armed group, and Switzerland for hosting the latest round of talks. Bruce also praised the African Union for its mediation efforts, describing them as complementary to the Washington and Doha processes. She highlighted the role of the AU Panel of Facilitators, led by the President of Togo, as critical to peace-building efforts in the region. “Lasting peace in the Great Lakes must ultimately be led and sustained by the region itself,” she said, also acknowledging the contribution of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in ceasefire monitoring and verification. However, Bruce warned that progress toward a lasting solution was being undermined by failure to honour commitments. “We are deeply disappointed by Rwanda’s continued escalation of the conflict, which constitutes a direct violation of its obligations under the Washington Accords,” she said. “We reiterate our call for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the DRC must be respected.” Turning to Kinshasa, she said the DRC government had yet to fulfil its obligation to neutralise the FDLR militia, particularly in areas under its control. “Addressing these long-standing security concerns is essential to breaking the cycle of mistrust that has fuelled this conflict for decades,” she said. Bruce warned that Washington could explore additional measures to enforce compliance with the peace process. “We are not afraid to explore all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine peace,” she said. Last month, the United States imposed targeted sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and four of its senior generals over alleged destabilising actions in the region. “Those who undermine peace should expect consequences,” Bruce added. “As a committed partner in advancing security and prosperity in the Great Lakes, the American people remain focused on a single objective: durable peace.”The post US accuses Rwanda of violating DRC peace agreement appeared first on The Observer.