DR Congo and Rwanda Sign Agreement to End Ongoing Conflict

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed an agreement in Washington pledging to respect each other’s sovereignty and to work towards a draft peace accord by 2 May 2025.

The agreement, witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes amid escalating violence in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized vast swathes of mineral-rich territory, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu.

Both nations have also committed to halting military support to armed groups and to exploring the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at dismantling criminal organisations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner emphasised the urgency of action: “To our countrymen and women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the east, we know you are watching this moment. You have every reason to expect more than promises.”

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described the agreement as opening the door to a “definitive peace agreement”, highlighting plans to develop new regional economic value chains bolstered by American private sector investment.

Also read: DR Congo and Rwanda Call for Ceasefire During Qatar Talks

Also read: South Africa and Rwanda Face Diplomatic Crisis Over DR Congo War

Promising Investments and a Path to Stability

The deal outlines Washington’s intention to channel substantial public and private investments into the DRC and the broader region, which is rich in strategic minerals such as tantalum, gold, copper, cobalt, and lithium—critical for technologies like mobile phones and electric vehicles.

“A durable peace in the Great Lakes region will open the door for greater US and broader Western investment, bringing economic opportunities and prosperity,” said Rubio. “American firms will ensure good governance and responsible, reliable supply chains for critical minerals.”

The United States is seeking to counter China’s dominance in the African mining sector by fostering partnerships that support responsible mineral extraction.

Prominent American businessman Erik Prince has reportedly agreed to assist the DRC government in securing and managing its mineral wealth, following a minerals-for-security proposal earlier this year.

Fragile Truce Amid Persistent Violence

Despite the diplomatic progress, violence has persisted on the ground. Reports of continued fighting in North Kivu province surfaced even as the agreement was being signed. Officials in eastern DRC state that approximately 7,000 civilians have been killed since January.

The latest ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, emerged from talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels, resulting in a mutual commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities and the rejection of hate speech and intimidation. However, past truces have repeatedly collapsed.

Sources from the Doha negotiations admitted that talks were almost derailed by disagreements over confidence-building measures, such as the release of prisoners. Nonetheless, persistent mediation led to a renewed commitment to peace.

Deep Roots of the Conflict

The conflict’s origins trace back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with M23 largely composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters who once served in the Congolese army before rebelling. The DRC accuses Rwanda of arming and supporting M23, allegations Kigali has consistently denied, asserting that its military actions are defensive measures against groups linked to genocide perpetrators.

Moreover, the DRC has accused Rwanda of illicit exploitation of its mineral wealth—a claim Rwanda has also rejected.

While the road to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, the commitment demonstrated in Washington offers a glimmer of hope for millions affected by decades of instability in the region.