On June 27, 2025, a significant peace agreement was signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in Washington, DC. This deal was heralded by many as a hopeful step toward ending decades of conflict in the volatile eastern region of the DRC. However, the agreement has come under sharp criticism from human rights organizations, most notably Amnesty International, for its glaring omission of accountability mechanisms for war crimes and serious human rights violations. This analysis explores the complexities surrounding the deal, the historical context of impunity in the region, the ongoing violence, and the implications of ignoring justice in the pursuit of peace.
The Core Issue: Lack of Accountability for War Crimes
One of the most critical shortcomings of the DRC-Rwanda peace deal is its failure to address accountability for war crimes. Amnesty International’s Secretary-General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized this point with a stark warning:
“Without addressing impunity for the horrific crimes committed in eastern DRC, the agreement missed an opportunity to decisively tackle a long-standing driver of the conflict.”
This statement underscores a fundamental truth about the conflict in eastern Congo: peace cannot be sustainable without justice.
For over 25 years, the region has been plagued by cycles of violence fueled in part by a culture of impunity. Serious crimes, including massacres, sexual violence, and the use of child soldiers, have gone unpunished. Amnesty International highlights the failure to prosecute those responsible for atrocities such as the six-day Kisangani war in 2000, where hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands injured. Despite the scale of these crimes,
“not a single person has been held to account for crimes perpetrated in Kisangani, not one,”
as Amnesty’s Regional Director, Tigere Chagutah, pointed out. This absence of justice has eroded trust in the legal system and allowed armed groups to operate with near impunity.
The peace deal’s silence on these issues risks perpetuating this cycle. By not including mechanisms for investigation, prosecution, or reparations, the agreement effectively sidelines the victims and denies them justice. This omission could undermine the legitimacy of the peace process and leave root causes of the conflict unaddressed.
Continuing Violence Despite the Peace Agreement
The signing of the peace deal has not translated into an immediate cessation of hostilities on the ground. Fighting continues between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and militias aligned with the DRC armed forces, such as the Wazalendo. This ongoing violence results in civilian casualties, displacement, and widespread insecurity.
Amnesty International’s reports indicate that in the first half of 2024 alone, over 100 civilians were killed due to indiscriminate use of explosive weapons by both the Congolese army and the M23 militia. Furthermore, explosive weapons were used more than 150 times in populated areas during this period, a practice that violates international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. The use of such weapons in civilian-populated areas has devastating humanitarian consequences, including deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
The M23 group, estimated to have between 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers supporting it, controls significant mineral-rich territories in eastern DRC. This control exacerbates the humanitarian crisis by fueling conflict over resources and displacing thousands of people. The ongoing violence starkly illustrates that peace agreements without enforcement and accountability mechanisms can be fragile and ineffective.
Historical Context: Impunity and Its Consequences
Understanding the current situation requires a look back at the history of conflict and impunity in eastern Congo. The region has been a hotspot for violence since the early 1990s, involving multiple armed groups, foreign armies, and local militias. The Kisangani war in 2000, in particular, stands out as a tragic example of the brutality inflicted on civilians. During this six-day conflict, Rwandan and Ugandan forces clashed, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and thousands of injuries.
Despite the gravity of these crimes, there has been a persistent failure to hold perpetrators accountable. Amnesty International’s call for justice reflects the frustration of many Congolese and international observers who see impunity as a major obstacle to peace.
“Justice cannot wait another 25 years,”
Tigere Chagutah stressed, highlighting the urgency of addressing past abuses.
The lack of accountability has allowed armed groups to continue committing abuses with little fear of consequences. This environment fosters a vicious cycle in which civilians bear the brunt of violence, and grievances remain unresolved. Without justice, peace agreements risk being superficial and temporary.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Peace Deal
The DRC government has publicly emphasized the need for justice and accountability as essential components of peace. The president of the DRC has called for investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for crimes in the eastern region, recognizing that lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict. This stance aligns with the demands of human rights organizations and victims’ groups.
Conversely, the M23 rebel group has distanced itself from the US-facilitated peace deal, stating that it does not concern them. This refusal to engage with the agreement complicates efforts to implement it effectively and raises questions about the inclusivity and comprehensiveness of the peace process.
Amnesty International’s strong condemnation of the deal’s shortcomings reflects broader concerns about the international community’s approach to peacebuilding in the DRC. The organization warns that ignoring justice risks entrenching impunity and prolonging conflict.
“When human rights abusers are not investigated and held to account, it leads to a vicious cycle of abuses in which civilians pay the price,”
Agnès Callamard warned.
The Human Cost and the Need for Reparations
Beyond accountability, there is a pressing need for reparations and support for victims. The conflict in eastern DRC has caused immense suffering, including mass displacement, sexual violence, and destruction of livelihoods. Victims and survivors have long demanded recognition, reparations, and meaningful participation in peace processes.
Amnesty International urges the DRC government to conduct genuine consultations with survivors and civil society to develop reparations programs that address the needs of those affected. Reparations are not only a matter of justice but also a critical step toward healing and reconciliation.
Implications for the Future of Peace in Eastern DRC
The DRC-Rwanda peace deal, while a positive diplomatic development, falls short of addressing the complex realities on the ground. Its failure to incorporate mechanisms for justice and accountability risks undermining its effectiveness and sustainability. Without addressing the impunity that has fueled decades of violence, the agreement may become just another temporary pause in a long-running conflict.
For peace to take root, all parties must commit to justice, reparations, and inclusive dialogue. The DRC government’s call for accountability is a step in the right direction, but it requires support from international partners and pressure on armed groups like M23 to engage constructively.
The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo demand urgent attention. The international community must prioritize protecting civilians, ending impunity, and ensuring that peace agreements do not come at the expense of justice.
Conclusion: Justice as the Cornerstone of Lasting Peace
The DRC-Rwanda peace deal represents an important diplomatic milestone, but its shortcomings highlight the challenges of peacemaking in conflict zones marked by deep-rooted impunity. As Amnesty International’s Agnès Callamard succinctly put it,
“The agreement missed an opportunity to decisively tackle a long-standing driver of the conflict.”
Without incorporating accountability and reparations, peace remains fragile and incomplete.
The history of eastern Congo teaches us that peace without justice is unlikely to endure. Addressing past and ongoing abuses, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting victims are essential to breaking the cycle of violence. The future of the region depends not only on ceasefires and diplomatic agreements but on a genuine commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Only by confronting these challenges head-on can the people of the DRC hope for a future free from violence and suffering.
