DST News: A peace agreement hailed by US President Donald Trump as historic has come under strain after M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Rwanda’s actions in the region amounted to a clear violation of the deal signed last week between DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. He warned the United States would act to ensure commitments made to Washington were honored.

The M23 group claimed it had fully taken control of Uvira a major city in South Kivu province. The United States and European powers accuse Rwanda of backing the rebels though Kigali denies the claim. UN experts have previously said Rwanda exercises effective control over M23 operations.

The rebels were not party to the Washington agreement and have instead been involved in parallel talks mediated by Qatar. Analysts say the timing of the offensive appears aimed at gaining leverage in negotiations and weakening regional rivals particularly Burundi which has deployed thousands of troops in eastern Congo.

Uvira is seen as a crucial military and logistical hub and its fall marks a major setback for the Congolese government. Aid agencies say the fighting has displaced tens of thousands of civilians with many fleeing into neighboring Burundi.

The escalation highlights the fragility of diplomatic efforts in the mineral rich region and raises doubts about whether the US brokered deal can hold as armed groups continue to reshape realities on the ground.

Source: BBC