U.S. Hosts Talks to Ease DR Congo–Rwanda Tensions

The United States has invited senior officials from Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to Washington this week to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Separate bilateral meetings are scheduled for March 17, followed by a trilateral meeting on March 18 if talks move forward.

The discussions are the first since the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers on March 2. Washington has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denies.

M23 carried out a rapid offensive in January 2025, gaining control of large areas in eastern DR Congo and intensifying the security crisis in the region.

The meetings coincide with the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, which has drawn numerous African officials, including energy ministers.

Officials from Rwanda, DR Congo, and the U.S. Department of State were not immediately available for comment. The talks are being closely watched as a potential step toward reducing tensions and advancing peace.

Source: Newstimehub