Washington Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Rwandan Forces From Eastern DRC

NEW YORK / WASHINGTON, March 26, 2026 - The United States has called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, while announcing targeted sanctions against senior Rwandan military officials, during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on March 26. Speaking on behalf of the U.S. administration, Senior Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos expressed “deep disappointment” over what Washington described as a recent escalation by Rwanda in eastern DRC, calling it a “direct violation” of commitments made under the Washington peace framework. The U.S. referred to the implementation of the Washington agreements (December 4, 2025), noting that while some progress had been achieved, recent developments threatened to undermine the fragile process. According to the U.S. statement, sanctions have been imposed on members of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), including four senior generals, in response to their alleged role in destabilizing activities in eastern Congo. Washington reiterated its demand for the “immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory,” alongside renewed calls for respect of DRC sovereignty and intensified efforts by Kinshasa to neutralize the FDLR armed group. The U.S. envoy also stressed the importance of restoring state authority in the Kivu provinces and addressing the ongoing illegal exploitation of natural resources, which he said continues to fuel the conflict. While acknowledging the roles of regional and international mediation efforts - including MONUSCO and Qatari and African-led initiatives - Washington emphasized that lasting peace would require strict adherence to ceasefire commitments and genuine political will from all parties. The statement also referenced the killing of a French humanitarian worker during a March 11 attack in Goma, extending condolences and underscoring concerns over civilian safety in the conflict zone.