DR Congo and Rwanda agree on pathway to end violence in eastern Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda committed to produce a draft peace deal by May 2, 2025, and refrain from providing military support to armed groups, according to an agreement signed in Washington on Friday as part of diplomatic efforts to end violence in eastern Congo.
The agreement, reached amid an unprecedented advance by AFC/ M23 rebels in Congo, is expected to bring “significant” U.S. public and private investment to the region, which is rich in minerals including tantalum and gold, the text said.
The deal raises hopes that the latest cycle of violence in a decades-long conflict might ease, with both countries hoping to attract significant U.S. investments in minerals. However, previous ceasefire calls have not produced a sustained break in the fighting.
Both parties also agreed to look into a joint security coordination mechanism to crack down on armed groups and criminal organizations.
Foreign ministers from the two countries signed the agreement at a ceremony with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also signed as a witness.
The peace deal reached after delegations Congo and AFC/M23 rebels failed to agree on a potential cease fire during their first direct peace talks held in Qatar on April 23.
