In response to the ongoing situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United States has strongly reaffirmed that there can be no military solution to the conflict [cite: null]. This statement comes as part of a joint position from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Region (ICG), which expresses serious concerns regarding repeated violations of ceasefire agreements [cite: null].
The ICG, which includes the governments of the United States, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, and the European Union, issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need for all parties to cease hostilities and resume negotiations [cite: null]. The use of drones in military attacks was particularly highlighted, due to the serious danger it poses to civilian populations [cite: null].
The call for a ceasefire comes amid renewed tensions and violations of the Washington Accords of December 4, 2025, and the commitment made in Doha on July 19, 2025 [cite: null]. The ICG urged all parties to respect their obligations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, including resolutions 2773 and 2808, as well as to respect the territorial integrity of the DRC [cite: null].
The group also welcomed ongoing mediation efforts led by the African Union's designated mediator, Faure Gnassingbé, as well as the United States and Qatar [cite: null]. The ICG stressed the importance of an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all Congolese stakeholders, as an essential element for lasting peace in the DRC, and welcomed the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola [cite: null]. In addition, the ICG called for an end to incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence, particularly against Rwandophone minorities [cite: null].
The situation in eastern DRC remains concerning, with millions displaced and an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The region has been the site of armed conflicts since the 1990s, exacerbated by ethnic tensions and a struggle for resources. The reaffirmation by the United States of the need for a non-military solution underscores the urgency of a diplomatic and political approach to resolving this complex crisis.
