DR Congo and Rwanda Sign Landmark Peace Deal in Washington

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement in Washington, DC, aimed at ending years of conflict and cross-border hostilities. The deal, brokered by the United States and Qatar, was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries at the State Department on Friday. It marks a significant step toward peace in a region long plagued by violence, particularly in the DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces. The agreement outlines key steps to be taken within the next three months, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC, the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days, and a regional economic integration framework within 90 days. It also calls for the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group accused of ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized the need for justice, disengagement, and the return of displaced families and refugees. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described the agreement as a turning point and demanded an end to DRC’s alleged support for the FDLR. However, there remains uncertainty about when or whether M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda, will withdraw from territory they currently control. The deal carries significant geopolitical implications. The DRC is rich in minerals critical to modern technologies, including cobalt, gold, and lithium. The United States has secured access to some of these resources as part of the agreement. US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the deal as a historic opportunity for peace and prosperity in the region. Despite optimism, analysts remain cautious, warning that peace will depend on implementation and trust between both parties.

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