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Rwanda-backed rebels accuse the US of falling short as a peace mediator in Congo’s conflict
Rebels say Washington has not pressed Congo’s government and point to U.S. sanctions as fighting continues despite a peace deal signed last year.
On Saturday, the Congo River Alliance, which includes the Rwanda-backed M23, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticizing the American role as a mediator in Eastern Congo's conflict.
A US-mediated peace deal last year between Congo and Rwanda aimed to end the conflict and define economic partnership terms involving the three countries, unlocking rare earth mineral deals.
The letter claims the US lacks "impartiality and neutrality," alleging Washington failed to sanction or warn leaders in Kinshasa, Congo, despite their "intransigent and arrogant attitude" toward peace terms.
Washington sanctioned Congolese President Joseph Kabila last week for allegedly funding rebels, building on earlier measures this year against Rwanda's military and four senior officials for supporting M23.
Eastern Congo faces decades of unrest as government forces fight more than 100 armed groups, with M23, the most potent, having grown to around 6,500 fighters competing for mineral riches.