The International Crisis Group (ICG) has urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to end hate speech and attacks targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, warning that military confrontation will not resolve the persistent insecurity in the country’s east.
In a statement released on March 5, 2026, the conflict-prevention organisation raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in eastern DR Congo and called on all parties to return to dialogue.
The statement was issued by a group of ICG member states including Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The group, led by Sweden, highlighted growing challenges affecting the implementation of the Washington and Doha peace agreements aimed at restoring stability in the region.
The Washington agreement was signed on December 4, 2025 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, while the Doha agreement was concluded on July 19, 2025 between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government. Both agreements were designed to end hostilities and pave the way for lasting peace in eastern Congo.
However, ICG warned that the parties involved continue to violate the terms of the ceasefire, including through the use of armed drones in attacks that endanger civilians.
“Such drone strikes place civilian lives at serious risk. All parties must cease hostilities and return to negotiations. War will not provide a solution,” the organisation said.
ICG also called on all signatories to honour their commitments under the Washington and Doha agreements and to comply with resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, including Resolutions 2773 and 2808, while fully respecting territorial sovereignty.
The organisation further urged the Congolese government to halt actions targeting Congolese citizens who speak Kinyarwanda.
“ICG calls on all actors to stop inciting hatred, discrimination or violence, including against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, and any actions that put civilian lives at grave risk,” the statement added.
Kinshasa has repeatedly been called upon to implement the Washington and Doha agreements. Critics, however, say the Congolese government has continued to pursue a military approach to the conflict, including the reported recruitment of foreign mercenaries from Europe and the United States.
