Rwanda DRC Ceasefire Violations: Kigali Accuses DRC and Burundi of Breaking Washington Accord

Rwanda says the DRC and Burundi have violated the Washington ceasefire accord through renewed attacks near its border. Kigali reports bombings, coordinated assaults and increased involvement of FARDC, FDNB, FDLR and Wazalendo groups. As a result, over 1,000 civilians fled into Rwanda. Kigali warns that these actions threaten peace efforts and regional stability.

Rwanda Says Attacks Threaten Peace in Eastern Congo

The Government of Rwanda states that the DRC and Burundi ignored the Washington ceasefire commitments. According to Kigali, their recent military actions increase instability in South Kivu and intensify the humanitarian crisis.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that the new fighting in Eastern Congo cannot be attributed to Rwanda. Instead, Kigali accuses FARDC and FDNB, working with FDLR and Wazalendo militias, of launching coordinated attacks. Rwanda says these groups used fighter jets and attack drones to bomb villages near the border. As a result, AFC/M23 responded to defend civilian areas.

More Than 1,000 Civilians Flee Into Rwanda

Rwanda reports that over 1,000 Congolese civilians entered its territory last week after heavy bombings in Kamanyola. These families are now sheltered at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District.

Furthermore, Kigali says Burundi deployed nearly 20,000 troops into South Kivu under coordination with the DRC government. Rwanda claims these troops have surrounded Banyamulenge communities in Minembwe, cutting residents off from food and essential supplies. Kigali describes this as a deliberate attempt to starve civilian populations.

CEASEFIRE VIOLATION OF WASHINGTON ACCORDS BY THE DRC AND BURUNDI ARMIES

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) December 10, 2025

Kigali Accuses Kinshasa of Rejecting Ceasefire Terms

Rwanda argues that the DRC publicly refused to respect a ceasefire even while peace talks continued. According to Kigali, Kinshasa pursued a military strategy throughout the negotiations. Rwanda also says these actions were visible to regional partners, yet no international pressure was applied to stop them.

Kigali highlights another concern: the DRC’s failure to neutralize the FDLR. This requirement was a central condition in the June 2025 Peace Agreement. Rwanda says the lack of progress shows Kinshasa’s limited commitment to peace. Kigali also notes that the DRC signed the Washington Accord reluctantly, despite President Félix Tshisekedi attending the December 4 signing ceremony.

Rwanda Calls for Full Implementation of Peace Agreements

According to Rwanda, the DRC and Burundi continue to threaten stability through repeated ceasefire violations. Kigali says these actions worsen the suffering of civilians and pose a direct security risk along Rwanda’s western border.

Rwanda calls for full implementation of the Washington Ceasefire Accord and completion of pending commitments in the Doha Agreement between the DRC and AFC/M23. Kigali argues that this approach offers the best chance for sustainable peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region.