Additional Coverage:
- Congo and Rwanda sign a U.S.-mediated peace deal aimed at ending decades of bloody conflict (nbcnews.com)
DRC, Rwanda Sign US-Brokered Peace Deal, Aiming to End Decades of Conflict
In a landmark moment, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace agreement Friday at the State Department, facilitated by the United States, with the aim of quelling the decades-long conflict in eastern DRC. The deal, signed beneath a portrait of Colin Powell, was hailed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “an important moment after 30 years of war.” President Trump later met with the two countries’ foreign ministers at the White House, expressing hope for “a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace.”
The agreement addresses territorial integrity, the cessation of hostilities, and the disarmament and integration of armed groups. However, the path to peace remains uncertain.
The M23 rebel group, a key player in the conflict, has indicated the agreement does not apply to them, raising concerns about the deal’s effectiveness. Millions have been displaced by the fighting, and the UN considers the situation one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises.
While both DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe expressed optimism, they acknowledged the challenges ahead. Wagner invoked the conflict’s millions of victims, emphasizing the need for the agreement to be respected.
Nduhungirehe acknowledged the “great deal of uncertainty,” citing past failed agreements. Both ministers, along with Rubio, praised Qatar’s role in facilitating the deal.
The agreement also has significant implications for access to critical minerals in the region. The DRC is rich in resources vital for technology, and the US has been actively seeking access to these minerals amidst competition with China for influence in Africa. President Trump warned of “very severe penalties” for any violations of the agreement.
While the deal marks a potential turning point, analysts remain cautious, citing the M23’s stance and the complex dynamics of the conflict. The M23 has stated it will only engage in direct talks with the DRC if its grievances are acknowledged. Separate talks are underway in Qatar to address the conflict between the DRC and the M23.
The US role in the peace process has been described by Wagner as that of a “reliable partner.” However, some analysts suggest the US commitment may be tied to access to the region’s minerals, estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. Some Congolese activists express cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability for lasting peace.
The conflict’s roots lie in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Hutu militias responsible for the genocide fled to the DRC, and Rwanda has accused elements of the Congolese army of protecting them. The ensuing conflict has claimed millions of lives.