‘An important milestone’
In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts and congratulated Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda for what he called an “important milestone.”
“These agreements represent a critical step towards restoring trust between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and advancing efforts for lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesman.
He also welcomed progress in the processes led by Doha and the African Union (AU) and urged all parties to “honor the commitments they have made, including respecting a permanent ceasefire”, as called for by the Security Council in resolution 2773 (2025).
UN ready to support
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the United Nations – including its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO – stands ready to continue supporting all efforts towards sustainable peace and regional stability.
Relations between the two neighbors have long been strained by conflict in the mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups operate amid deep-rooted regional rivalries.
Earlier this year, M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, launched new attacks in eastern DRC, occupying the region’s largest cities, fueling displacement and regional tensions before diplomacy regained momentum.
Hostilities continue
However, even as leaders signed the agreement abroad, violence erupted on the ground, leading to more deaths, injuries and displacement of civilians.
Since Tuesday, heavy fighting – including the use of heavy weapons and shelling – has been reported in several villages in the territories of Uvira, Walungu, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe, said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
“These attacks have damaged critical infrastructure and homes,” he told reporters in New York.
Local health authorities in Walungu reported that at least 13 civilians have been admitted to hospital. However, evacuations are currently impossible due to continued fighting and road blockades, which prevent an unknown number of wounded from reaching medical centres.
Protect civilians
“Once again, we reiterate our urgent call to all parties to the conflict to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect all civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Dujarric stressed.
“Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that life-saving assistance can reach those who need it,” he added.
At the end of October, South Kivu was home to some 1.2 million displaced people. Between January and September of this year, United Nations agencies and partners provided food, shelter, protection and health services to 1.5 million people across the province.