Washington D.C. – The presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a peace agreement in the United States today, formalizing a deal reached earlier this year aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two nations. The signing took place at the United States Institute of Peace, formerly known as the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace,with mediation support from the U.S., the African Union, and Qatar.
The agreement follows a period of intense conflict, particularly involving the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 and the Congolese army, which saw a ceasefire declared in June. While the fighting has diminished in intensity since then, clashes continue, most recently reported in the congolese province of South Kivu.
U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the agreement as a turning point, stating, “After a long period of ’killing each other, they are now going to hug each other a lot.’ They are going to hold hands and benefit economically from the US,like every other country does.”
Alongside the peace accord, agreements were also signed facilitating the exploitation of rare resources in Rwanda and Congo by American companies. This move comes amid a growing geopolitical competition with China over access to these critical minerals.
Despite the optimism expressed by the U.S. President, skepticism remains. According to Africa correspondent Elles van Gelder,”Agreements have now been made about cessation of fighting,disarmament and withdrawal of troops,as well as economic progress.But…it will be a process.” van Gelder also noted that M23 was not present at the negotiations and questions remain regarding Rwanda’s control over the rebel group, with separate discussions ongoing in Qatar between M23 and the DRC. Civilians in the region express little faith in the agreement, citing decades of conflict and the lack of provisions addressing violence against them or accountability for perpetrators.
