U.S. Senators Slam Rwanda-Backed M23, Demand Congo Peace Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant development for Congolese diplomacy, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker, joined by fellow Democrats, have issued a scathing letter criticizing the U.S. government's response to the ongoing DRC–Rwanda crisis and the violent campaign of the M23 rebel group, which they say is backed and armed by the Rwandan regime.

Their bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands tougher U.S. diplomacy and a full reassessment of the Washington Accord, signed in June 2025 under the Trump administration. Despite the pomp of the Oval Office ceremony, the senators warn that the agreement has “failed to stop the bloodshed” in Congo’s eastern provinces.

“A Glorious Triumph?” Not for Congolese Civilians

The senators take direct aim at the Trump administration’s celebratory framing of the peace deal:

“Although the Trump Administration deserves credit for attempting to engage constructively on this crisis, we are concerned by severe flaws in the structure of the peace process,” they wrote.

They highlight that fighting resumed almost immediately after the accord was signed. Since June, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized new territory, displaced civilians, and entrenched control across North and South Kivu, with little resistance from international partners.

War Crimes and Continued Atrocities

The letter cites growing evidence of human rights abuses and war crimes committed by M23, echoing UN and NGO reports:

“On August 20th, Human Rights Watch and the UN human rights office reported that the M23 killed at least 140 people, and possibly over 300 civilians during counter-FDLR operations in Rutshuru in July 2025.”

The senators also condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation, noting that:

“More than 80% of health facilities in North and South Kivu now face medicine shortages… The M23 is strengthening its political and economic positioning with apparent ambitions to take Uvira.”

Exposing Rwanda’s Role and Washington’s Weak Leverage

Kaine and Booker make it clear: Rwanda is fueling this war.

They express deep concern that the Rwanda–U.S. deportee deal signed on June 3, which provides Kigali with funds to accept U.S. deportees, may be compromising U.S. neutrality:

“This new arrangement risks granting Rwanda additional leverage at a moment when Washington is attempting to serve as an impartial mediator between the parties.”

They also warn that the agreement lacks clarity on how funds are being monitored and whether they’re weakening U.S. influence on holding Kigali accountable.

Lack of Accountability, No Peace

The senators criticize the Washington Accord for prioritizing economic frameworks over justice:

“The Accord lacks accountability provisions for grave abuses – a missed opportunity to tackle the very impunity that has fueled the recurrence of this crisis.”

They also accuse the administration of cutting peacekeeping funds and weakening MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate, even as M23 and Rwandan forces obstruct humanitarian access.

Tshisekedi’s Warning Ignored

The senators echoed Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who on September 22 declared that:

“The Accord has not calmed the conflict. Rwanda is deepening its support for M23 rather than withdrawing.”

Tshisekedi further cautioned against viewing U.S. mediation as a license to exploit Congo’s minerals, stating:

“This does not mean that we will auction our mineral resources.”

What the Senators Are Demanding

They ask the State Department to answer key questions:

• Has M23 gained territory since June?

• Is the U.S.–Rwanda deportee deal undermining U.S. leverage?

• Why were economic deals prioritized over disarmament and justice?

• What concrete actions will Washington take to pressure Rwanda and protect Congolese civilians?

A Call for Real Diplomacy

In closing, the senators emphasized that future efforts must focus on lasting peace and justice, not just announcements and photo-ops:

“U.S.-facilitated efforts to resolve conflicts require serious, level-headed leadership… We urge the Administration to learn from the mistakes of the Washington Accord and help foster a sustainable peace that respects Congolese sovereignty.”

For the Congolese people, this letter is more than a political gesture; it’s a sign that the truth is gaining traction. Rwanda’s war-by-proxy through M23 must be confronted, not excused. And the U.S., as a global power, must help protect lives, not embolden aggressors.