The U.S. is considering sanctions and other diplomatic measures to ensure compliance with the Washington peace agreement between the and , Washington’s top envoy in Kinshasa said on Monday, amid renewed fighting in eastern Congo.
U.S. Ambassador to the DRC told reporters that Washington was reviewing “all available tools,” including unilateral and multilateral actions, to press the parties to honour commitments made under the accord, which was brokered in Washington to reduce tensions and halt support for armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
The warning comes as violence has flared again in parts of North and South Kivu, where the Congolese government and United Nations officials accuse Rwanda of backing the (M23) rebel group, allegations Kigali denies.
Tamlyn said the United States was disappointed by the resurgence of hostilities so soon after the agreement was signed, adding that sustained instability risked undermining diplomatic efforts and worsening the humanitarian situation for civilians already displaced by years of conflict.
“The goal of the Washington agreement is to create space for a durable political solution,” she said, noting that accountability measures could be used if violations persist.
Separately, United Nations Secretary-General condemned recent offensives attributed to M23 and allied forces in South Kivu, including attacks on several towns near the Rwandan border.
He called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in line with a recent UN Security Council resolution, warning that continued escalation could destabilize the wider Great Lakes region.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed violence for decades, driven by a complex mix of local militias, foreign-backed groups, and competition over land and mineral resources.
The Washington-brokered accord was seen by diplomats as a rare opportunity to de-escalate tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, whose relations have been strained by repeated accusations of cross-border interference.
U.S. officials said they would continue consultations with regional partners and international bodies in the coming days as they assess next steps to enforce the agreement and prevent a further slide into conflict.
