The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to take concrete steps to ease tensions amid a stalled peace process, after talks hosted by the US in Washington. Conflict in eastern DR Congo has continued despite the two countries signing a peace deal with US President Donald Trump last year. The pledge to ease tensions comes after the US earlier this month sanctioned the Rwandan Defence Forces and four senior officials, accusing Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebel group, which is blamed for escalating the conflict. A joint statement by DRC, Rwanda, and the US indicates they have agreed on coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and progress on the ground. They pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Rwanda promising to disengage its forces and lift defensive measures... in defined areas in DR Congo's territory. In return, DRC will intensify efforts to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group that includes Rwandan Hutus involved in the 1994 genocide and remains a threat in eastern DRC. Rwanda views the FDLR as a genocidal militia and cites its continued existence in eastern DRC as a direct threat to its own security. Fighting has persisted in the region despite a US-brokered peace deal last December aimed at ending long-running conflict. Following signing ceremonies, M23 rebels captured Uvira near the Burundi border, marking significant escalation. Although they withdrew under US pressure, they maintain control over large parts of eastern DR Congo. While the US condemned Rwanda’s military support to M23, Rwanda rejected this portrayal of the conflict, asserting that its troops are there for defensive purposes. Tensions have increased, fueled by drone strikes and accusations of violations against the peace accord, as both regions face an uncertain future.