Rwanda and DRC Resume Conflict Despite Washington Accords
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have resumed hostilities despite a recent peace agreement known as the Washington Accords, facilitated by the United States. The agreement aimed to end decades of conflict between the two nations, involving provisions for refugee repatriation, disarmament of non-state actors, and economic growth. However, less than a week after the deal, renewed fighting has forced over 200,000 people to flee eastern DRC. The United Nations reported that at least 74 civilians have been killed, and 83 have been hospitalized due to the violence. The M23 rebels have taken control of the town of Uvira, escalating the conflict further. Both Rwanda and the DRC accuse each other of violating the peace treaty, with Rwanda's forces reportedly operating within DRC borders for 'defensive measures.'