U.S. Pushes Rwanda to Withdraw Troops Before Congo Peace Deal

The United States has made a critical demand in peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Rwanda must withdraw its troops, weapons, and military equipment from eastern DRC before any peace agreement is signed.

This demand is central to the U.S.-drafted peace plan currently under discussion in Washington. Rwanda has yet to accept the conditions, citing ongoing security threats from FDLR Hutu militias operating in eastern Congo. Kigali denies accusations of arming the M23 rebel group, despite evidence of M23 gains in recent months.

Rwandan officials assert they need to protect their national security before pulling back. The U.S. proposal includes a “Joint Security Coordination Mechanism” to ensure stability after withdrawal. It also suggests incorporating M23 into national dialogue—though Kinshasa views this as legitimizing a terrorist group.

Negotiations are also drawing international support, including from Qatar. American diplomats hope to finalize a deal within the next two months. Yet, ongoing disagreements over troop withdrawal and M23’s future are major sticking points. The situation reflects deep-rooted mistrust and complex geopolitics in the Great Lakes region.

A successful resolution would significantly reduce conflict and open channels for humanitarian aid and rebuilding in eastern DRC. Failure could mean escalating tensions and perpetuated humanitarian crises—highlighting the fragile nature of regional peace efforts.