“Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed by President Trump,” Rubio posted on X. “The United States will take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept.”
The message marks the most direct and high-level U.S. rebuke of Rwanda since the renewed M23/RDF offensive in South Kivu, just days after the peace agreement was signed in Washington under U.S. mediation.
Rubio’s statement signals that Washington now considers Kagame’s actions not only a betrayal of Congolese trust, but also a direct affront to U.S. presidential authority and credibility. The language used, “promises made to the President,” places personal stakes for the Trump administration, raising pressure for a policy response.
According to diplomatic sources, the U.S. is weighing additional sanctions and military aid recalibration as Rwanda continues to escalate attacks alongside its proxy group, M23.
This follows a cascade of international condemnation from the UN Security Council, the European Union, and regional actors like Burundi, whose territory was reportedly targeted by Rwandan drones.
The Washington Accords called for:
A framework for regional economic integration built on sovereignty and security guarantees
Yet within 72 hours, Congo’s army reported fresh bombings launched from Rwandan territory into civilian areas. Kigali has since denied responsibility, but the U.S., UN, and DRC all cite intelligence proving direct RDF involvement.
Secretary Rubio’s post may mark the beginning of a broader American policy shift, from diplomatic facilitation to active enforcement. It also reflects growing bipartisan frustration in Washington over Rwanda’s alleged duplicity.
Rubio's public declaration puts Rwanda on notice and reinforces that U.S. engagement is not symbolic; it comes with conditions, and those who violate them will face consequences.
-Xtrafrica