Five United States senators have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to explain how the U.S. administration is using diplomacy to help resolve the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a letter dated June 25, 2026, Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, Cory Booker, Peter Welch, and Jeff Merkley said they remain deeply concerned about the security situation involving the DRC and Rwanda. They also recalled that they had previously written to Rubio on the same issue in November 2025.
The senators noted that despite the Washington Peace Agreement, signed in December 2025 with the aim of reducing tensions, fighting has continued in eastern DRC.
They said the M23 rebel group has continued expanding the territory under its control, leading to a growing number of deaths and displaced civilians, citing reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations.
In their letter, the senators also referred to the sanctions imposed by the United States on several Rwandan officials in March 2026, asking whether those measures had contributed to reducing the conflict and what additional steps the U.S. administration plans to take to support peace efforts.
They further requested that the U.S. State Department provide an update on the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, America’s role in ongoing peace negotiations, and measures being taken to protect civilians.
For its part, the Rwandan government has consistently denied allegations that it supports the M23 rebel group, maintaining that its primary concern is safeguarding Rwanda’s national security, particularly against the activities of the FDLR armed group operating in eastern DRC.
However, several reports by United Nations experts have continued to allege that there is evidence of Rwandan support for M23, claims that Kigali has repeatedly rejected.
The letter reflects continued calls from some U.S. senators for Washington to increase its engagement in efforts to restore peace in the Great Lakes region, as diplomatic negotiations among the parties involved continue.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
