U.S. Urges Full Implementation of Washington Accords, End to Foreign Support for Armed Groups in Great Lakes
NEW YORK — The United States on Monday called for the full and immediate implementation of the Washington Accords and demanded an end to foreign support for armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the wider Great Lakes region.
The position was delivered by Ambassador Jeffrey Bartos, U.S. Representative for U.N. Management and Reform, during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in the DRC on October 13, 2026.
Addressing Council members, Bartos said the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity represent a pivotal opportunity for sustainable peace in eastern DRC. He urged both the DRC and Rwanda to fulfill their commitments without delay, including upholding the ceasefire, halting drone strikes, and ceasing inflammatory rhetoric.
Humanitarian Concerns
Ambassador Bartos expressed deep concern over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, calling for safe and unhindered access for health responders and full protection for medical personnel and facilities. He thanked security, peacekeeping, and humanitarian workers for their efforts.
Diplomatic Efforts and Verification
The U.S. commended Qatar’s mediation between the DRC government and the AFC/M23, referred to as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, to conclude the remaining Doha protocols. It also acknowledged African Union mediation led by President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and contributions from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
On verification, Washington welcomed the deployment of Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) missions to Minembwe and Masisi to investigate alleged violations, with operational support from MONUSCO.
The DRC’s transfer of 15 detainees to AFC/M23 under the prisoner exchange protocol was described as an encouraging confidence-building measure. Both parties were urged to use the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) October Planning Conference to advance operational steps.
On FDLR and Rwandan Withdrawal
The U.S. stated that any cooperation between the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and elements of the Congolese armed forces must cease immediately. Bartos acknowledged the MONUSCO-supported repatriation of over 120 FDLR ex-combatants and family members and called on the DRC government to clarify and execute its demobilization plan.
Washington also called on Rwanda to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all troops and military equipment from the DRC and cease all support to M23 rebels.
Accountability
Ambassador Bartos reaffirmed that the United States will continue to take direct action against individuals and entities that obstruct peace, abuse civilians, or profit from the illegal exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources.
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