International Contact Group voices concern about recent violations in eastern DR Congo
The International Contact Group (ICG) has raised its profound concern about the continued and recent violations of US and Doha brokered ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
On December 4, 2025, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame inked in Washington a "historic" peace and economic agreement seeking to end fighting in restive eastern Congo.
The accord moved forward a Trump-brokered peace deal reached in June.
But despite the Washington Accords and the commitment in Doha to a permanent ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities, fighting between M23 rebel group and government forces has intensified recently.
The ICG in a statement Thursday said such violations include the use of drones in military attacks which also pose an acute risk to civilian populations.
“All parties involved should urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and return to negotiations,” it said.
The ICG called on “all parties to honor their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable critical assistance to those in need.”
Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe in response described the statement as “balanced” as it expresses concern over the continued violation of the ceasefire, with a particular focus on attack drones used against civilian populations.”
The UN, Kinshasa, and other Western powers accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Kigali has consistently denied.
