Rwanda, DRC sign U.S.-brokered peace deal
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington, D.C.aiming to end years of conflict in eastern Congo that has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 500,000 people this year. The agreement was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and includes a commitment to withdraw Rwandan troops from eastern Congo within 90 days.
Congo's Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, emphasized the importance of the agreement for the citizens in the eastern region, stating that those who have suffered the most are expecting the terms to be respected. The deal also aims to promote economic cooperation in the mineral-rich areas of the region, which are vital for global supply chains, particularly for minerals like cobalt and lithium.
Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, analysts express skepticism regarding its effectiveness, particularly because the M23 rebel group, which has been linked to Rwanda and is responsible for recent violence, was not included in the negotiations and has rejected the deal's terms. The conflict has led to over 7,000 deaths in 2025 alone.
The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, plans to continue working with all parties involved and has indicated that there will be penalties for any violations of the agreement.
While the peace deal represents a potential turning point in the region, its success will depend on the genuine implementation of its terms and the inclusion of all relevant parties in the peace process, as well as addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict.
