Rubio Says Sanctions Push Rwanda Toward Compliance With Washington Peace Agreement

Rwanda, June 4, 2026 - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that recent sanctions are beginning to influence Rwanda’s compliance with the Washington Agreement aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rubio said that while the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains in place, its implementation has faced serious challenges, prompting Washington to impose targeted sanctions.

He noted that early signs suggest Rwanda has begun adjusting its position in response to these measures, although he acknowledged that progress remains slow and incomplete.

Rubio also emphasized that the situation in eastern Congo is not limited to state-to-state tensions, pointing to the continued activity of the AFC/M23 rebellion as a key unresolved issue within the broader peace framework.

He added that the United States expects the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern DRC to take place within a set timeline, while warning that full stabilization will also depend on addressing the role of armed groups operating in the region.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding the implementation of the Washington Agreement, which was intended to reduce hostilities in the Great Lakes region but has instead been marked by mutual accusations of non-compliance.

In recent months, Washington has imposed a series of sanctions targeting individuals and military-linked actors connected to the conflict, as part of broader efforts to pressure parties toward adherence to the peace process.