US accuses Rwanda as M23 rebels seize key Congo city

The United States accused Rwanda on Friday of violating a US-brokered peace agreement by backing a deadly new rebel offensive in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, and warned that the Trump administration will take action against “spoilers” of the deal.

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The remarks by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz (photo) came as more than 400 civilians have been killed since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels escalated their offensive in eastern Congo's South Kivu province, according to regional officials who also say that Rwandan special forces were in the strategic city of Uvira.

Waltz told the UN Security Council that the US is “profoundly concerned and incredibly disappointed with the renewed outbreak of violence” by M23.

“Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war,” Waltz warned. “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace.”

He called on Rwanda to respect Congo's right to defend its territory and invite friendly forces from neighboring Burundi to fight alongside Congolese forces. He also said the US is engaging with all sides “to urge restraint and to avoid further escalation.”

The rebels’ latest offensive comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington.