Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo Sign US-Brokered Peace Agreement
Peace Deal Aims to End Fighting and Attract Investment to Mineral-Rich Region
Washington, Paris, Kinsasha - Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement in Washington on Friday, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year.
The agreement, brokered by the US President Donald Trump's administration, aims to attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in minerals such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and others.
The deal was signed by the two African countries' foreign ministers at a ceremony with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The agreement pledges to implement a 2024 deal that would see Rwandan troops withdraw from eastern Congo within 90 days.
Kinshasa and Kigali also pledged to launch a regional economic integration framework within 90 days.
US President Donald Trump stated that the agreement marks a breakthrough in talks held by his administration, and aims to end the fighting that has been ongoing for years.
He highlighted the significance of securing mineral rights from Congo as part of the deal, expressing his satisfaction with the progress made.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called the agreement a turning point, while Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized the need to follow through with disengagement.
Trump met both officials in the Oval Office, presenting them with letters inviting Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to Washington to sign additional agreements.
The agreement also includes provisions for a joint security coordination mechanism to be formed within 30 days, as well as plans to monitor and verify the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers.
Additionally, Congo agreed to conclude military operations targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) over the same timeframe.
Congo, the United Nations, and Western powers have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels by sending troops and arms.
However, Rwanda has denied these allegations, stating that its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The peace agreement also includes provisions for de-risking mineral supply chains and establishing value chains linking both countries, in partnership with the US and US investors.
The terms of the agreement carry a strategic message: securing the east also means securing investments.
However, it remains to be seen whether this economic logic will suffice to end the fighting.
Experts believe that this peace agreement offers the best chance at a peaceful resolution for the region despite its challenges and flaws.
They emphasize the importance of US involvement in ensuring both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.
The agreement, brokered by the US President Donald Trump's administration, aims to attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in minerals such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and others.
The deal was signed by the two African countries' foreign ministers at a ceremony with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The agreement pledges to implement a 2024 deal that would see Rwandan troops withdraw from eastern Congo within 90 days.
Kinshasa and Kigali also pledged to launch a regional economic integration framework within 90 days.
US President Donald Trump stated that the agreement marks a breakthrough in talks held by his administration, and aims to end the fighting that has been ongoing for years.
He highlighted the significance of securing mineral rights from Congo as part of the deal, expressing his satisfaction with the progress made.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called the agreement a turning point, while Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized the need to follow through with disengagement.
Trump met both officials in the Oval Office, presenting them with letters inviting Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to Washington to sign additional agreements.
The agreement also includes provisions for a joint security coordination mechanism to be formed within 30 days, as well as plans to monitor and verify the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers.
Additionally, Congo agreed to conclude military operations targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) over the same timeframe.
Congo, the United Nations, and Western powers have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels by sending troops and arms.
However, Rwanda has denied these allegations, stating that its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The peace agreement also includes provisions for de-risking mineral supply chains and establishing value chains linking both countries, in partnership with the US and US investors.
The terms of the agreement carry a strategic message: securing the east also means securing investments.
However, it remains to be seen whether this economic logic will suffice to end the fighting.
Experts believe that this peace agreement offers the best chance at a peaceful resolution for the region despite its challenges and flaws.
They emphasize the importance of US involvement in ensuring both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.
