Report Trump Says He Ended Congo War, Clashes Tell Another Story

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US President Donald Trump has recently claimed he ended the war in eastern Congo. He cites a peace deal he brokered between Congo and Rwanda back in June. However, residents, conflict researchers, and human rights groups, who report ongoing violence in the region, are disputing his assertions.

 

In a speech, Trump said he stopped the brutal conflict, saving countless lives. Despite these claims, clashes persist between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and militias supporting Congolese forces. Many hot spots remain, with residents wary of ongoing unrest.

 

A peace deal between Congo and the rebels, aided by Qatar, seems to have hit a stalemate. Accusations of violating terms are flying between parties. Christian Rumu from Amnesty International highlighted ongoing human rights violations, criticising Trump's assertions of peace, according to ABC News.

 

Communities in Congo, like those in South Kivu, persistently face danger. Ciruza Mushenzi Dieudonné, a local human rights inspector, described the plight of residents fleeing clashes and lacking basic humanitarian aid. Health workers are working in perilous conditions, trying to dodge nighttime threats.

 

Amani Safari, a student from Goma, a city the M23 first seized, expressed doubts about the efficacy of the peace agreement. Safari highlighted the absence of legally binding sanctions, implying that the US prioritises its interests over enduring peace.

 

John Banyene, civil society president in North Kivu, declared that hope is dwindling among locals. The violence, displacement, and instability persist despite promises of peace. Encouraging dialogue remains crucial, but Banyene stressed it is dragging without resolution.

 

Christian Moleka, a political analyst, mentioned that Trump's peace efforts did initiate some dialogue. However, Congo and the M23 missed crucial deadlines for agreements. With compounded complexities involving structural weaknesses and regional crises, Trump's intervention feels more like a temporary truce rather than a permanent resolution.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-08-27