Feb 16 β€’ 13:59 UTC πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France France24

'M23 and Rwanda' to blame for latest violence in DR Congo: US senior adviser for Africa

A U.S. official has accused M23 and Rwanda of responsible for increased violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting a significant breach of a peace accord.

In a recent interview with France24, U.S. Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos expressed serious concerns about the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attributing it to the actions of the M23 rebel group and the involvement of Rwanda. He described the situation as a "serious breach" of the 2025 Washington accord meant to stabilize the region, which has been breached by the recent takeover of Uvira by M23 forces. While Boulos noted that the M23 had partially withdrawn from Uvira, he emphasized the need for accountability and adherence to international agreements.

Boulos articulated the U.S. government’s disappointment with Rwanda's role in exacerbating the conflict, suggesting that it could lead to potential sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame, depending on future developments. He remained cautiously optimistic about the possibility of restoring trust in Kagame, pointing to ongoing diplomatic efforts but reaffirming that the current circumstances were unacceptable. The statement comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, following reports of violence and displacement.

The implications of Boulos's comments are significant, as they suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards stricter measures in response to the conflict. This stance could affect international relations in the region, particularly between the U.S., Rwanda, and the DRC, as well as the involvement of other multinational organizations in peacekeeping efforts. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing accords and the future of U.S.-African relations in the evolving political landscape.

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