Rwanda and DR congo Sign Peace Deal in Angola, Aiming to End Years of Conflict
Luanda, Angola - Leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) signed a peace deal Sunday in Angola, mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço and with the presence of U.S. diplomat Donald Booth.The agreement seeks to address escalating tensions and violence in eastern DR Congo, rooted in decades of conflict stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The deal comes as fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group - allegedly backed by Rwanda – has intensified, displacing hundreds of thousands and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. The core of the conflict traces back to the genocide in Rwanda, when approximately 800,000 people, predominantly from the Tutsi community, were killed by Hutu extremists. The subsequent advance of a Tutsi-lead rebel force, commanded by current Rwandan President Paul Kagame, led to roughly one million Hutus fleeing across the border into DR Congo, fueling ethnic tensions with the local banyamulenge Tutsi population.
the agreement stipulates that both sides will end “state support” for armed groups operating in the region, specifically targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu group including perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide. Rwanda has long described the FDLR as a “genocidal militia” and maintains its presence threatens Rwandan security, alleging the group intends to “finish the job” and return to Rwanda to continue the genocide, as stated by Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo in a February interview with the BBC.
Rwanda has twice invaded DR Congo, citing the need to pursue those responsible for the genocide and working with groups like the Banyamulenge. The new deal also requires Rwanda to withdraw its forces as part of a “defensive measure,” while DR Congo commits to addressing Rwanda’s security concerns.
The peace process has been ongoing for months, with previous talks yielding limited results. the involvement of the United States, thru diplomat Donald Booth, signals increased international pressure for a lasting resolution. The agreement’s success hinges on the full implementation of its provisions and sustained commitment from both governments to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
