Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi, has accused Rwanda of violating a newly signed peace agreement, just days after both nations pledged to end hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The accusation, made during a national address from parliament on Monday, comes amid renewed fighting in South Kivu province, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee across the border into Rwanda.

“Despite our good faith and the recently ratified agreement, it is clear that Rwanda is already violating its commitments,” Tshisekedi said, referencing fresh attacks allegedly carried out by Rwandan troops shortly after the peace deal was signed.

“On the very day after the (peace accord) signing, units of the Rwandan Defence Forces carried out and supported attacks with heavy weaponry,” he added.

The peace agreement, signed last Thursday in Washington by Tshisekedi and Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, had raised hopes for an end to decades of unrest in the resource-rich but conflict-ridden region.

However, renewed violence erupted within 24 hours, casting doubt on the pact’s durability.

The mineral-rich eastern DRC has been the epicentre of conflict for over 30 years, with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group playing a key role in the latest wave of fighting.

On Sunday, United Nations experts accused Rwanda’s army and the M23 rebels of committing serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and mass displacements in eastern Congo.

The report described summary executions, arrests and arbitrary detentions allegedly carried out by Rwandan forces and their M23 allies.

Earlier this year, M23 fighters seized the strategic North Kivu city of Goma, and later captured Bukavu in neighbouring South Kivu with support from Rwandan troops.

In recent days, the group has clashed with the Congolese army, which is being reinforced by thousands of Burundian soldiers deployed in the region.

Last week’s peace agreement was brokered in Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump hailing it as a miracle.