Congo Conflict: War Is Not Over Despite Trump Saying It’s Done

Photo: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in East Africa has been in a state of war for many years. This war involves the Congolese government and a rebel group called M23, which is backed by Rwanda. Though some leaders claim the war is over, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

What the Story Says

On September 18, 2025, Reuters reported that despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements that the conflict is over, fighting and tensions in eastern Congo have not stopped. Both the DRC army and M23 rebels are preparing for more fighting. They are building up in key towns and accusing each other of breaking peace deals.

M23 rebels took over important cities earlier this year. The government in Kinshasa (capital of DRC) is refusing to give up control of land or release prisoners, demands that rebels have made. Many peace talks have been attempted, led by the U.S. and Qatar, but trust is low and agreements are not fully followed.

Why Trump Says War Is Over

President Trump has said that deals made between DRC and Rwanda, and peace talks, show that the war is over. He also pointed to things like agreements signed in Washington and Doha (capital of Qatar). The idea is that diplomacy and treaties now exist, so fighting should stop.

Some people believe that once these deals are put into practice, the violence will ease, and peace can come. But many in the region note this has been tried before, and the slaughter, displacement of people, and loss of territory continue.

What Is Really Happening on the Ground

The government and rebels are re-enforcing their military positions (putting more soldiers or weapons in front-line towns).

Both sides accuse each other of violating agreements made to reduce violence.

Millions of people are involved: many have been forced to leave their homes because of fighting.

Rebel group M23 controls areas that have rich minerals, which are very valuable. This control helps the group earn money and influence.

Why Peace Deals Are Failing

Peace agreements are important, but they are not enough by themselves. Some key problems include:

Lack of Trust: The rebels and the government do not trust each other. When promises are made, some are broken. Then each side waits for the other to act, and nothing happens.

Delayed Implementation: Parts of the peace deals are not put into practice. The deadlines are missed. The steps needed for peace are often slow or never start.

Disagreement About Power and Territory: Rebels want political power in areas they hold. They want some control and some prisoner releases. The government refuses to give up control of land or people.

Human Rights Violations: Both sides are accused of abuses, such as summary killings, torture, and rape. Civilians suffer a lot.

What This Means for the People

For ordinary people in eastern Congo, this conflict is not just about politics. It is about survival.

Lives disrupted: Many people have had to leave homes, villages, farms. Some live in camps or shelters.

Fear and insecurity: The constant threat of violence, losing loved ones, or being caught in crossfire is always there.

Economic hardship: With fighting comes destruction—roads, schools, health clinics get destroyed or closed. It becomes hard to get food, medicine, or work.

Hope for peace: People want peace. They want promises to be kept so they can live normally, send children to school, rebuild homes.

What Should Be Done

To move closer to real peace, some important steps are needed:

Make peace deals strong and clear: Agreements must include exact ways to implement them—who does what, when, how.

Monitoring and verification: Neutral groups (such as U.N. or trusted international observers) should check that both sides follow through.

Protect civilians: There must be actions to stop abuses. People living in war zones need protection and help.

Talk more, fight less: Encouraging dialogue, listening to each other’s fears, reducing blame, building trust is important.

Disclaimer

This article is based on reports, statements, and interviews as of September 18, 2025. The situation in Congo is still changing. Some details may evolve. This report does not take sides but aims to explain what is known so far.