The Government of Rwanda has issued a firm statement accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi of repeatedly violating the Washington ceasefire accords, warning that their recent military actions threaten regional stability and worsen the humanitarian crisis in South Kivu.

According to the statement released by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, responsibility for the renewed fighting in Eastern Congo cannot be placed on Rwanda. Kigali alleges that the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the Burundian Army (FDNB), alongside the FDLR genocidal militia, Wazalendo fighters and foreign mercenaries, have carried out systematic bombings of civilian villages near the Rwandan border using fighter jets and attack drones. Rwanda says these attacks forced AFC/M23 to respond defensively.

The Ministry revealed that more than 1,000 Congolese civilians fled into Rwanda in the past week following heavy bombardment in Kamanyola. The displaced families are currently sheltered at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District. Rwanda further accuses the Burundian military of deploying close to 20,000 troops in South Kivu under the DRC government’s coordination, adding that these forces have laid siege to Banyamulenge communities in Minembwe in what Kigali describes as a deliberate attempt to starve civilian residents.

Rwanda also states that the DRC had publicly declared its unwillingness to observe any ceasefire, even as peace negotiations continued. Kigali notes that Kinshasa pursued a military strategy throughout the peace process, with much of the information visible and verifiable by the international community. Despite this, the statement argues, no external pressure was exerted to stop what Rwanda describes as months of planned military offensives launched by the DRC.

Another key concern raised by Kigali is the DRC’s failure to neutralize the FDLR, a condition explicitly included in the June 2025 Peace Agreement. Rwanda says this failure has delayed the resolution of the conflict and underscores Kinshasa’s lack of genuine commitment to peace, even though President Félix Tshisekedi participated in the December 4 Washington signing ceremony. According to the statement, the DRC appeared to sign the accords reluctantly and without intention to implement them.

The Government of Rwanda concludes that these violations are serious obstacles to peace, contributing to the ongoing suffering of civilians in Eastern DRC and posing a direct security threat to Rwanda’s western border. Kigali is urging full implementation of the Washington Accords as well as the completion of outstanding provisions in the Doha Agreement between the DRC and AFC/M23. Rwanda describes this as the most realistic path toward lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the Great Lakes region.

Rwanda Accuses DRC and Burundi of Violating Washington Ceasefire Accord