Washington: Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have prepared to finalize a Rwanda-DRC peace agreement aimed at ending conflict in eastern Congo. Both nations have confirmed that technical teams have initialed a draft deal, which leaders plan to sign on June 27.
According to a joint statement, this provisional Rwanda-DRC peace agreement has offered hope for resolving violence that has disrupted communities and affected regional stability for years. The draft outlines commitments to respect each country’s territorial integrity, halt hostilities, and disarm or integrate non-state armed groups under strict conditions.
Negotiators have also agreed to establish a joint security mechanism, building on proposals that both sides discussed last year with Angola’s involvement. Although past efforts under Angolan mediation have resulted in draft deals, final endorsements by ministers did not happen. Angola has since stepped back from its role as mediator after repeated attempts to address rising tensions.
This year, fighting has intensified in eastern Congo as M23 rebels, who Congo claims are backed by Rwanda, have captured major cities and fueled fears of a wider crisis. Rwanda has denied supporting M23 and has insisted its troops act in self-defense against Congo’s forces and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
The United States has supported efforts to advance the Rwanda-DRC peace agreement, which could unlock significant Western investment in Congo’s mineral-rich region. The area holds valuable resources such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium, all vital for global industries.
If leaders follow through on this latest draft, the Rwanda-DRC peace agreement could mark a turning point toward sustainable security and economic growth in the heart of Africa.
ALSO READ | China expands Digital Yuan use; Plans multi-currency system
