The Trump administration has warned that the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Peace deal could collapse if the Government of Congo and the March 23 Movement (M23) fail to uphold their commitments.
The government of DRC and M23 rebels signed a ceasefire in Doha on 19 July 2025, a move hailed at that time as a breakthrough after years of violence. But just three months later on 14 October, during follow-up talks in Qatar, both sides were forced to recommit to the truce and agree on a joint ceasefire monitoring-mechanism aimed at growing mistrust on the ground.
But while the Trump administration has hailed the progress on paper, little has changed on ground, and the guns have not fallen silent. Clashes continue across parts of North Kivu, with both Kinshasa and M23 trading blame for renewed violations.
The U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos on Saturday, November 1, 2025 post on X, DRC and M3 have made encouraging progress through the Doha peace process, however, he warned that recent ceasefire violations threatened to undermine any achievement.
“All must honor their commitments made in Doha, “ Massad Boulos stated, “including maintaining the ceasefire and fully engaging the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to rebuild trust and reduce tensions on the ground,”
The U.S diplomat added that with sustained effort, there is a real opportunity to advance toward lasting peace and a prosperous future for the region.
After two weeks of signing the ceasefire agreement, Congo’s army and rebels have reinforced military positions and blamed each other for flouting the peace accord.
The M23 rebels have seized two major cities in January and February. Violate clashes broke out last week between M23 and Wazalendo self-defense groups in Nyangezi, a locality in Walungu territory, South Kivu Province, Radio Okapi, the UN sponsored radio reported.
Clashes continued in two frontlines in the territory of Masisi, North Kivu between the local armed groups and the rebels. Attacks later resumed in the region of Nturo, Kilolirwe and Ruvunde, as well as Bashali Kahembe. Fighting has also resumed on the Kibarizo axis, in Bashali Mokoto.
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The fragile calm that followed the Doha accord is once again under strain, the M23 rebels have made no secret of their aim to keep administering the territories of Goma and Bukavu, which they already control, a condition Kinshasa rejects.
