The remarks come after AFC/M23 rebels captured the town of Uvira earlier this December, an event that has intensified scrutiny of Rwanda during an emergency meeting of the UN body responsible for international peace and security, where several major powers accused Kigali of backing the AFC/M23 group.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Rubio said: “Rwanda’s actions in eastern Congo constitute a clear violation of the Washington Agreement signed by President Donald Trump. The United States will take steps to ensure that the commitments made by the President are upheld.”

Rubio’s statement followed comments made on Friday, 12 December 2025, by the US representative to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, who told the assembly that the Trump administration would take action against those he described as “undermining” the agreement.

Waltz said the United States was deeply concerned and saddened by the renewed fighting launched by AFC/M23, accusing Rwanda of pushing the region toward instability and war. “Rwanda is driving the region toward insecurity and conflict,” he said, adding that Washington would use all available measures to punish those who undermine peace.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently told participants at a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed officials that Rwanda had signed the Washington Agreement in good faith and remains committed to implementing it.

“Rwanda signed the agreement willingly, accepted it, and will comply with what is required so that the agreement succeeds provided others also do what is required of them and fulfill their responsibilities,” Kagame said.

He added that Rwanda’s primary objective remains peace, but stressed the need to be prepared for other scenarios. “Above all, we want peace, we desire peace, and we will pursue it. But anyone who seeks peace must also be prepared for situations that are not peaceful, and know how to respond when such situations arise until peace is achieved,” he said.

President Kagame also criticized the international community for placing the blame entirely on Rwanda, arguing that the fighting over Uvira began earlier and was initiated by Congo. He said responsibility should be shared among all parties involved.

“Everyone has their share of responsibility to answer for Congo has its share, Burundi has its share, and we too will answer for our own responsibilities. We should not be held accountable for the responsibilities of others,” Kagame said.