Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda Moving Closer to Peace Deal

Officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed on the draft of a peace agreement that could end decades of conflict in the region, an agreement that is expected to be formally signed next week in Washington, the Associated Press reported.  

The deal, mediated by the US and Qatar, “includes provisions on respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities; disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.”  

The agreement is the latest attempt at peace between the two parties after previous efforts, mediated by Angola and then by Qatar, fell apart, the BBC noted.  

Still, in April, Rwanda and the DRC signed a deal in Washington, promising to respect each other’s sovereignty and to move ahead with a draft peace deal. 

The long-running conflict between the two sides escalated in January, when M23 rebels – backed by Rwanda and 4,000 of its soldiers – seized the city of Goma and later the city of Bukavu in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The group, one of about 100 armed militias that have been fighting for a foothold in the region, has since set up governing structures in the area it controls.  

Following the territorial loss, the DRC government asked the US for help, reportedly offering access to their mineral wealth in exchange. 

Rwanda continues to deny supporting the M23, justifying its military presence in the region as only to protect Tutsis in the country.   

The conflict, which has killed thousands over the past few months, has displaced more than seven million people.