Eastern DRC conflict: peace deal stalls as violence intensifies

Diplomatic deadlock despite peace framework

The July 15 deadline has come and gone. Signed on June 27, 2025, under U.S. auspices and dubbed the “Washington Agreement,” the pact required Rwanda to withdraw troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it backs the Congolese politico-military coalition Alliance du fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23). Yet the group continues to control most of North and South Kivu.

The agreement included broader peace commitments, but as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipated mid-July implementation, the reality remains static. Worse still, fighting has intensified across eastern DRC, with civilian areas bearing the brunt of renewed offensives.

Failed peace enforcement

Washington’s leverage appears exhausted. Sanctions imposed on regional actors have failed to curb the violence, while diplomatic channels remain gridlocked. Local communities report growing displacement as armed groups vie for territorial dominance, further destabilizing an already fragile region.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

With peace prospects fading, the humanitarian toll escalates. Aid agencies warn of deteriorating conditions in displacement camps, where overcrowding and resource shortages fuel disease outbreaks. The resurgence of hostilities has cut off supply routes, leaving thousands without access to food and medical care.

Regional implications

The stalled peace process extends beyond DRC’s borders. Neighboring states, including Uganda and Burundi, face spillover risks as rebel factions exploit porous borders. Analysts caution that prolonged instability could trigger a wider regional crisis, drawing in additional international actors.

• Key obstacles: Non-compliance with troop withdrawal terms, persistent rebel control over mineral-rich zones, and weak enforcement mechanisms.
• U.S. role: Limited influence despite diplomatic efforts, highlighting the limits of external mediation in complex conflicts.