Rwanda and DR Congo Pledge to Ease Tensions Amid Ongoing Conflict
The two neighboring countries reaffirm their commitment to a peace agreement, despite ongoing violence and accusations of annexation attempts.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pledged to work towards easing tensions following a meeting in Washington.
The two nations committed to redoubling efforts to implement the Washington Peace Agreement, which aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the DRC.
In June, Rwanda and the DRC signed an agreement after Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured significant areas of the DRC's mineral-rich east.
However, attacks have continued on the ground, leading Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to accuse Rwanda of seeking to annex the eastern regions of his country.
The United States has been involved in mediating the conflict and President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the DRC-Rwanda agreement is a significant step towards ending the war.
He believes it will enable the US to secure minerals crucial for advanced technologies.
The joint statement issued by the US State Department highlights the sides' recognition of lagging progress in implementing the peace agreement.
They have agreed on specific actions, including Rwanda's demand for Kinshasa to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu group with links to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Rwanda has made it clear that its 'defensive measures' will cease once action is taken against the FDLR.
Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks or language that would undermine the peace agreement's implementation.
The conflict has also seen the M23 rebels impose taxes and establish a parallel administration in the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
With police stations and courts abandoned, there is a lack of mechanism to combat scams in the region.
Online fraud, including phishing and fake messages from relatives or international organizations, has become rampant in the DRC and neighboring countries.
Overall, while Rwanda and the DRC have pledged to ease tensions, the ongoing conflict presents significant challenges that require immediate attention and collective action.
The two nations committed to redoubling efforts to implement the Washington Peace Agreement, which aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the DRC.
In June, Rwanda and the DRC signed an agreement after Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured significant areas of the DRC's mineral-rich east.
However, attacks have continued on the ground, leading Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to accuse Rwanda of seeking to annex the eastern regions of his country.
The United States has been involved in mediating the conflict and President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the DRC-Rwanda agreement is a significant step towards ending the war.
He believes it will enable the US to secure minerals crucial for advanced technologies.
The joint statement issued by the US State Department highlights the sides' recognition of lagging progress in implementing the peace agreement.
They have agreed on specific actions, including Rwanda's demand for Kinshasa to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu group with links to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Rwanda has made it clear that its 'defensive measures' will cease once action is taken against the FDLR.
Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from hostile actions or rhetoric, particularly political attacks or language that would undermine the peace agreement's implementation.
The conflict has also seen the M23 rebels impose taxes and establish a parallel administration in the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
With police stations and courts abandoned, there is a lack of mechanism to combat scams in the region.
Online fraud, including phishing and fake messages from relatives or international organizations, has become rampant in the DRC and neighboring countries.
Overall, while Rwanda and the DRC have pledged to ease tensions, the ongoing conflict presents significant challenges that require immediate attention and collective action.