The United States has acknowledged that restoring lasting peace in Africa’s Great Lakes region will be a long and complex process, despite recent diplomatic breakthroughs aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This position was outlined by Massad Boulos, the Special Adviser to the President of the United States on African Partnerships, who emphasized that stability cannot be achieved overnight due to the deep-rooted challenges facing the region.
Speaking on February 3, 2026, during a high-level discussion focused on humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, Boulos explained that while progress has been made, peace remains a gradual journey that requires patience, consistency, and sustained international engagement. His remarks come amid renewed efforts to de-escalate fighting in North and South Kivu, areas that have endured years of armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
On December 4, 2025, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement facilitated by the United States. The agreement committed both countries to support the Doha peace talks, which are intended to bring an end to hostilities in eastern Congo. These negotiations were designed to address the security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu, where armed groups have continued to destabilize civilian life and regional relations.
However, just days after the agreement was signed, the AFC/M23 coalition captured the city of Uvira on December 9, triggering strong reactions from the international community. The United States publicly condemned the takeover, describing it as a setback to peace efforts. In response, AFC/M23 stated that its actions were defensive, arguing that the capture of Uvira was meant to halt attacks allegedly carried out by the Congolese army, Burundian forces, local militia groups known as Wazalendo, the FDLR, foreign mercenaries, and assaults targeting civilians in Minembwe Commune.
Boulos clarified that Washington did not support the seizure of Uvira and had directly urged AFC/M23 to withdraw its fighters from the city. According to him, the U.S. played a role in encouraging de-escalation by pressing all parties involved to respect dialogue and avoid actions that could derail the fragile peace process.
“You could say that there are unresolved issues, and that is understandable, but we are actively working on them,” Boulos said during the forum. “At the very least, we managed to secure the withdrawal of fighters from the city of Uvira days after the events. We are working closely with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.”
On February 2, 2026, another key development occurred when AFC/M23 and the Congolese government signed an agreement allowing the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, to monitor the ceasefire in Uvira. The agreement was reached with mediation support from Qatar and was welcomed by international observers as a step toward accountability and trust-building on the ground.
Boulos described the MONUSCO monitoring arrangement as a significant breakthrough, stressing that independent oversight is essential for ensuring compliance with ceasefire commitments. He also highlighted the importance of the Doha peace framework, describing it as a cornerstone of ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
“We must not forget the critical importance of the Doha process,” Boulos said. “Yesterday in Qatar, progress was announced between the Congolese government and M23 regarding respect for the ceasefire. That is an important step forward.”
Despite these developments, Boulos cautioned against unrealistic expectations. He reiterated that peace in the Great Lakes region requires a long-term approach, as the conflict involves multiple actors, historical grievances, regional dynamics, and persistent security threats. According to him, setbacks are inevitable, but they should not overshadow the progress achieved through dialogue and cooperation.
“Peace is a journey, and it will take time,” he said. “Along the way, we will encounter obstacles here and there. Problems will arise, but we must remain firm and consistent. We are firmly committed. President Trump is firmly committed. He signed as a witness, and that commitment remains strong.”
The United States has positioned itself as a key diplomatic actor in efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region, working alongside regional governments, international organizations, and partners such as Qatar. Washington’s involvement reflects growing concern over the humanitarian consequences of prolonged instability, including mass displacement, civilian casualties, and restricted access to aid.
However, tensions on the ground remain high. AFC/M23 has continued to accuse the Congolese government’s military coalition of violating the ceasefire, alleging attacks against civilians and rebel positions. On February 3, the group warned that it would not remain passive in the face of what it described as continued aggression, stating that it would respond decisively to threats wherever they originate.
These allegations underline the fragility of the current ceasefire and the difficulty of enforcing peace agreements in a highly militarized environment. Analysts note that trust between the parties remains limited, making verification mechanisms such as MONUSCO’s monitoring role all the more crucial.
The broader regional context further complicates the situation. Relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been strained by mutual accusations regarding support for armed groups, border security, and political interference. While the December 2025 peace agreement marked an important diplomatic moment, its success depends largely on implementation and sustained political will from both sides.
Boulos’s remarks reflect a cautious but hopeful outlook from Washington. Rather than presenting recent agreements as a final solution, he framed them as steps within a longer process aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict. This approach signals a shift away from short-term fixes toward more comprehensive engagement focused on dialogue, accountability, and regional cooperation.
For civilians in eastern Congo, the stakes remain high. Years of fighting have displaced millions, disrupted livelihoods, and strained humanitarian systems. Any progress toward peace, even incremental, is seen as vital to restoring normalcy and enabling reconstruction efforts.
As diplomatic initiatives continue in Doha and on the ground in Uvira, the coming weeks will test the durability of the ceasefire and the commitment of all actors involved. International partners, including the United States, are expected to maintain pressure and support to prevent a relapse into full-scale fighting.
While challenges persist, recent developments suggest that dialogue remains possible, even in one of Africa’s most complex conflict zones. As Massad Boulos emphasized, peace in the Great Lakes region will not be immediate, but with sustained effort and cooperation, it remains an achievable goal.
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