US President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying his administration is closely monitoring the situation. In a press conference on September 28, 2026, Trump stated that the US had helped broker an agreement between the DRC and Rwanda to end the conflict, and that any violation of the accord would be met with a response. The agreement was signed several months prior, but tensions between the two nations remain high.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been a longstanding issue, with the Congolese government accusing Rwanda of supporting rebel groups in the region. The situation has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with thousands of people displaced and violence persisting. Trump emphasized that the US is committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld, stating, "We will stop it if there is a violation. We are aware of the situation and will take action if necessary."

A journalist from the DRC directly questioned Trump about the conflict, sharing personal experiences of witnessing violence in the region. The journalist attributed the violence to Rwanda's actions, prompting Trump to shift the conversation to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Trump inquired about the status of the epidemic, and the journalist replied that it was under control, but noted that the conflict in the east remained a pressing concern.

The DRC government has consistently expressed frustration over the ongoing insecurity in the east, which it blames on Rwanda's alleged support for rebel groups. The situation has strained relations between the two nations, with Kinshasa seeking tangible progress in restoring peace to the region. Trump emphasized his commitment to following the situation closely, stating, "I will ensure that things get sorted out. That's what I do."

The agreement between the DRC and Rwanda was seen as a significant step towards resolving the conflict, but its implementation has been challenging. The populations in eastern DRC remain skeptical, and the security situation remains fragile. Trump's comments have underscored the US commitment to monitoring the situation and taking action if necessary.

The US statement has been seen as a significant development in the region, with many observers watching to see how the US will follow through on its commitment. The DRC government has welcomed the US statement, but also emphasized the need for concrete action to address the root causes of the conflict. The situation remains complex, with many stakeholders involved.

The international community has been closely watching the situation in the DRC, with many countries expressing concern over the ongoing conflict. The US statement has added to the pressure on both the DRC and Rwanda to uphold the agreement and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict. The situation remains fluid, and it remains to be seen how the US and other international actors will engage in the coming weeks and months.

Key points

  • The US has pledged to take action if the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda escalates, amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
  • The conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with thousands of people displaced and violence persisting.
  • The US statement has underscored the commitment to monitoring the situation and taking action if necessary to uphold the agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.