Congo Continues to Suffer Despite Signing of Peace Agreement

December 23, 2025

Despite the December 4th Washington Accords peace agreement intended to end violence between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, armed conflict resumed and escalated throughout the month. Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group attacked Uvira, killing at least 74 civilians and displacing 200,000 residents by December 10th. UN officials expressed concern that repeated ceasefire violations are undermining diplomatic credibility and trust in peace processes.

Who is affected

At least 74 civilians killed and 83 wounded in Uvira
200,000 people displaced from Uvira
An estimated 40,000 children working in Congolese mines
73.5% of the DRC's population living on less than $2.15 per day
Civilians throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Congolese government and Rwandan government
Doctors Without Borders providing humanitarian assistance
UN peacekeeping operations

What action is being taken

Rwandan forces and M23 rebel groups are attacking cities and conducting military operations
UN Security Council is holding meetings to address the ongoing violence
Doctors Without Borders is providing humanitarian assistance to affected civilians
Grassroots leaders are fighting for justice in the DRC
Armed forces are controlling mineral-rich regions

Why it matters

This conflict highlights the gap between diplomatic commitments and actual implementation, undermining credibility of peace processes. The DRC holds over 50% of the world's cobalt reserves and an estimated $24 trillion in untapped resources, making it critical for technology companies producing rechargeable batteries. Despite this enormous mineral wealth, the country has one of the world's poorest populations, with generations of Congolese people experiencing exploitation and violence tied to resource extraction. The ongoing violence demonstrates how economic interests in minerals may be perpetuating instability rather than bringing genuine relief to civilians.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer