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Fighting erupts in Congo and Cambodia-Thailand after Trump’s peace deals

Dec 9, 2025, 10:13 AM40
(Update: Dec 10, 2025, 11:26 AM)
south-eastern region of Asia
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Fighting erupts in Congo and Cambodia-Thailand after Trump’s peace deals

  • Fighting has reignited in both Congo and the Cambodia-Thailand border shortly after peace agreements were signed.
  • International reactions have highlighted deep concerns regarding the effectiveness of the agreements brokered by the Trump administration.
  • The ongoing violence challenges the narrative of Trump as the 'President of Peace', signaling a need for reassessment of his diplomatic claims.
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Story

In the last few weeks, violence has escalated in regions where recent peace accords were established, notably between Congo and Rwanda as well as Cambodia and Thailand. In Congo, the conflict that had previously seen a temporary cessation through a deal brokered by Donald Trump saw new skirmishes, particularly involving the Rwandan-backed M23 militia group, leading to heightened tensions and urgent calls from the international community for a halt to the violence. Just days after the agreement signed in Washington, D.C., fighting reignited, resulting in civilian displacement and fatalities in South Kivu province. Simultaneously, the Cambodian-Thai border, where a peace agreement was hailed as groundbreaking just over a month ago, has also witnessed renewed hostilities. Following minor skirmishes reportedly injuring soldiers on both sides, the situation devolved into intense clashes resulting in the death of dozens and the evacuation of over 100,000 civilians. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns about the situation, urging both nations to adhere to the commitments laid out in the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. The situation has prompted skepticism about the effectiveness of Trump’s diplomatic efforts, which he has often touted as successes in ending conflicts across multiple regions. Observers pointed out that many supposed victories claimed by the administration lack substantive backing on the ground. In cases such as the agreement between India and Pakistan, the absence of reported third-party intervention is also raising questions about the veracity of Trump's narrative. Moreover, the ongoing violence raises doubts about the resilience of agreements that promised to end decades-long conflicts. Reports from various sources indicate that only a few of the ceasefires Trump confidently referenced have held up, while most seem to be faltering or non-existent. As various international actors continue to press for de-escalation and adherence to peace agreements, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to deliver substantive diplomatic achievements which have thus far eluded them.

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