US Considers Sanctions as Violence Undermines Washington Peace Deal

The United States is considering sanctions and other diplomatic measures to enforce the Washington peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, US Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn said on Monday, December 15, in Kinshasa.

Speaking at a press conference, Tamlyn reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the accord, warning that all available tools-including bilateral and multilateral actions-are under review to ensure compliance. She expressed US disappointment over the renewed violence in eastern DRC, which erupted a day after the agreement was signed, and pointed to Rwanda’s responsibility.

Tamlyn said the fall of Uvira, South Kivu’s provisional capital, does not reflect a failure of the US-sponsored initiative, stressing that President Donald Trump remains personally engaged in efforts to restore peace.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the latest AFC/M23 offensive in several parts of South Kivu, including Uvira, and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, warning of the risk of wider regional escalation.