Amid intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United States has accused Rwanda of fueling the war, despite a peace deal brokered by former President Donald Trump. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has made significant gains, threatening to derail the peace efforts in the region. This development has raised concerns about a potential regional spillover, as the conflict nears the borders of neighboring Burundi, which has troops in eastern Congo. The situation has become increasingly tense, with Burundi's Ambassador warning of direct escalation if the attacks persist. The M23 claims to be protecting ethnic Tutsi communities, but the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, accused Rwanda of strategic control over the group and its political wing, the Congo River Alliance, since their re-emergence in 2021. Rwanda denies backing the M23 and blames Congolese and Burundian forces for the renewed fighting, while Congo's Foreign Minister calls for accountability, emphasizing the need to address impunity.
