US Congress could increase pressure on Rwanda
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mediacongo
The Democratic victory in both chambers of the US Congress could increase pressure on the Trump administration to enforce the Washington agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda. The agreement provides notably for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Congo and an end to support for M23, as fighting continues, Mediacongo reports.
The Democrats’ victory in the 3 November 2026 US midterm elections could increase congressional pressure on the Donald Trump administration to secure implementation of Rwanda’s commitments under the Washington agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Mediacongo. Democratic control of the Senate and the House of Representatives gives them political leverage to demand, in particular, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and an end to Kigali’s support for the M23 movement.
Signed on 4 December 2025 under Donald Trump’s mediation, the Washington agreements on peace and prosperity were intended to promote de-escalation in the east of the DR Congo and the normalisation of relations between Kinshasa and Kigali. Their implementation remains challenged by continuing fighting and accusations of Rwandan support for M23, according to Mediacongo.
The change in the majority comes after Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, announced on 4 November. It follows the US midterm elections held on 3 November.
