The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed on an economic pact in Washington, as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to implement a peace deal and spur Western investment in the region.
The Regional Economic Integration Framework outlines key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between the two nations.
The pact is contingent upon the satisfactory execution of a previous agreement, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo and operations to eliminate the threat from Congo-based armed group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The agreement aims to bring peace and stability to the region, which is rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and other minerals.
The parties have committed to redouble efforts to implement the Washington peace agreement and take specific near-term actions related to military activity.
The economic pact is part of a broader effort to broker peace and draw billions of dollars of Western investment to the region .
