DR Congo and Rwanda to draft peace agreement by May 2.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have taken a significant step towards achieving peace by agreeing to draft a comprehensive peace deal by May 2. This landmark agreement, which aims to bolster mutual respect for sovereignty and prevent military support to armed groups, highlights the commitment of both nations to fostering stability in the region.

The agreement was reached during a high-stakes meeting in Washington, D.C., where DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the document in a setting characterized by palpable tensions. Notably, the two ministers did not greet each other with a handshake, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead in the relationship between the two nations.

This diplomatic momentum follows an unexpected truce brokered by Qatar between the neighboring countries, drawing attention to international efforts to alleviate the violence that has beleaguered eastern DRC. The United States played a pivotal role in bringing both foreign ministers together, expressing a keen interest in investing in the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern territories, which have been marred by ongoing conflict.

Since January, fighting between DRC forces and M23 rebels has escalated, with the rebels making significant territorial gains, resulting in substantial loss of life and displacing numerous civilians. While the United States and United Nations experts have alleged that the M23 group receives support from Rwanda, the Rwandan government has vehemently refuted these claims, asserting that it is acting in defense of its security against hostile militias operating within DRC’s borders.

The joint declaration signed on Friday included a commitment from both sides to withdraw military support from non-state armed groups, though it refrained from explicitly naming the M23 rebels. According to Minister Wagner, the agreement signifies a pledge for Rwandan forces to withdraw as specified in a recent UN Security Council resolution.

Minister Nduhungirehe indicated that the engagement had brought about a “real change in the conversation” surrounding the DRC, particularly in linking potential U.S. private-sector investments to the peace process. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio termed the agreement a “win-win,” suggesting it could pave the way for significant U.S.-backed investments in critical sectors such as energy and mining, where competition with Chinese influence is noteworthy.

Historically, the two nations have seen multiple truces since 2021, yet many have faltered under pressure. The recent uptick in violence has alarmed local and regional observers, many of whom fear a broader conflict could ensue. Analysts, such as Martin Ziakwau Lembisa, argue that U.S. diplomatic pressure has been instrumental in encouraging both governments towards a more collaborative approach to resolve their differences and establish lasting peace in the region.

This agreement marks a hopeful turning point for both Rwanda and the DRC, holding promise for future stability and international cooperation in an area abundant with untapped resources.

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