DRC and Rwanda submit draft peace agreement

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal as part of a U.S.-led initiative to end the protracted conflict in eastern Congo. According to Reuters, this move is seen as a significant step towards resolving decades-long hostilities in a region abundant in valuable minerals such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe announced that a final peace agreement is expected to be signed in mid-June in Washington, D.C. The AFP news agency reports that the draft deal is anticipated to be finalized by mid-May, with foreign ministers from both nations scheduled to meet in Washington to agree.

According to the Associated Press, the conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in recent months, with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group capturing key cities and vast territories, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 7 million people. The Associated Press notes that the peace proposal is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and facilitate substantial Western investment.

President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, stressed the importance of the peace initiative in an interview with Reuters, saying that it could unlock economic opportunities for both countries. The United States is also encouraging bilateral mineral agreements as part of the peace process, aiming to secure critical resources essential for various global industries.

While the peace talks represent a hopeful development, challenges remain. The M23 rebels, although not directly involved in the Washington negotiations, have resumed peace talks with the DRC government in Doha, Qatar. Reuters reports that these discussions aim to address ongoing violence and foster trust between the parties.

U.S. senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, recognizing the potential impact of a successful peace agreement on regional stability and economic growth. As the DRC and Rwanda work towards finalizing the deal, the hope is that this initiative will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region.