Fresh fighting erupted in eastern Congo just hours after President Donald Trump hosted Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Washington to celebrate a peace deal, underscoring the fragility of the US-brokered effort. While the agreement aimed to stabilize the mineral-rich region and attract Western investment, clashes quickly resumed between Congo’s army, M23 rebels, and alleged Rwandan forces. The M23 rebels, who are not party to the agreement, and Congolese forces traded accusations of deadly attacks, with civilians caught in the crossfire. This immediate resurgence of violence underscores analysts’ warnings that core grievances remain unaddressed, leaving the new deal’s prospects fragile at best. With neither Congo nor Rwanda fully honoring earlier commitments, the conflict shows little sign of easing despite diplomatic gestures.
Reuters
