Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken a significant step towards peace with the initialing of a draft peace agreement, aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.
The agreement, announced in a joint statement, addresses key issues such as territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities, disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.
A joint security mechanism will also be established, incorporating a proposal discussed under Angolan mediation last year.
The provisional agreement, reached after three days of talks, could mark a breakthrough in negotiations held by President Donald Trump’s administration to bring peace to the region and attract billions of dollars in Western investment.
The region is rich in minerals, including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The ministerial signing of the agreement is scheduled for June 27 in Washington.
The conflict in eastern Congo escalated earlier this year when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the region’s two largest cities, raising fears of a wider conflict. Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 with troops and arms, while Rwanda denies these claims, citing self-defense against ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Angola had previously mediated talks between the two countries but stepped down in March after several attempts to resolve the conflict.
This development comes as a potential breakthrough in the region’s long-standing conflict, with both countries pledging to respect territorial boundaries and halt hostilities.
The agreement’s success could pave the way for increased stability and investment in the region.
