The peace deal signed in Washington between DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has suffered a major blow. The M23 rebel group has "fully liberated" the key city of Uvira in South Kivu province. This move occurred just over a week after the deal was hailed by US President Donald Trump as "a great day for Africa, great day for the world." The United States and European powers accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, although Rwanda denies this. UN experts say Rwanda has "de facto control" over the rebels' operations. Professor Jason Stearns said the M23 seized Uvira to gain "more leverage in the negotiations," as they do not trust President Tshisekedi. The city is strategically important because it lies close to Burundi, which has troops in eastern DR Congo supporting the government against rebels. The M23's advance cuts off Burundi's ability to send troops and supplies into South Kivu. Aid agencies report about 50,000 people have fled into Burundi recently. The DR Congo government says the situation could lead to regional war. The US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, accused Rwanda of pushing the region "toward more instability and toward war." An earlier statement from the US and European countries demanded the immediate halt of all offensive actions by both M23 and Rwanda Defence Force and withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DR Congo. Experts say the peace process is now stalled. Rwanda claims it was forced into the peace deal and accuses DR Congo and Burundi of provoking violence. Professor Stearns observed that the peace agreement’s success depends on disarming a militia group the Rwandan government fears, but little progress seems likely. DR Congo's President Tshisekedi faces heavy public and military pressure for failing to control the fighting. The future of the peace deal rests on whether international efforts can push for peace and if the warring groups return to negotiations.