The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken Rwanda to the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbour of supporting rebel groups—most notably the AFC-M23—in the country’s volatile east.

The case comes as the 27 June marks exactly one year since Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington, brokered by the United States, to end the long-running conflict. Yet on the ground, the Congolese army continues to battle the AFC-M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa says is backed by Rwandan forces. In a separate move, Washington has slapped sanctions on several Rwandan officials allegedly involved in the illicit trade of minerals extracted from rebel-controlled areas.

Peace signed on paper, absent on the ground

Kinshasa and Kigali had pledged to collaborate for the return of stability to eastern Congo, where the AFC-M23 has occupied large swathes of territory for over a year. But no tangible progress has been reported.

“We expected things to improve after the signing—banks to reopen, airports to resume operations. Unfortunately, we continue to endure the same hardship,” laments a resident of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

“We wonder if the United States still holds the influence it once had. Why can’t the same policy applied in the US be applied towards our neighbours who are aggressing us here in Congo?” asks another resident of the same city. A third adds: “Nothing works so far. When they meet, they show good intentions, but on the ground the war continues.”

Kigali faces sanctions and international justice

Congo accuses Rwanda of backing armed groups responsible for serious human rights violations in eastern Congo for nearly three decades. Kinshasa has now turned to the ICJ, seeking reparations for victims and a recognition of Kigali’s responsibility.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold refinery, its executives, and several mining companies accused of trafficking minerals from areas controlled by the AFC-M23 in eastern Congo. Washington says this trade finances the rebellion. But some analysts question the effectiveness of these measures.

“The general perception is that these sanctions are not enough to change the strategic calculus of those involved. As long as the cost of confrontation remains lower than the cost of concession, actors will maintain a status quo that works in their favour,” says Yvon Muya, a conflict studies expert at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

Toward a new military escalation

Peace remains elusive, with gunfire exchanged almost daily in certain areas.

Professor Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège in Belgium believes the warring parties are actually preparing for a fresh confrontation. “During this time, both sides are trying to reorganise, rearm, and prepare for what could be called the final battle—to see whether the government can reclaim territories lost to the rebellion, or whether the rebels will advance toward Katanga and put more pressure on the Kinshasa regime.”

For over a year, the AFC-M23 rebels have occupied the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with many other towns in North and South Kivu provinces. Fighting continues in the region, worsening the humanitarian plight of thousands of displaced people.