Rwanda and Congo negotiations lead to a peace deal to be signed

On June 27th, Rwanda and DR Congo will sign a breakthrough peace agreement to end conflict and bring economic prosperity to the region through investment, according to the BBC on June 19th.

Rwanda and DR Congo have been in conflict for decades with many agreements almost being reached, and overall the crisis has displaced over 7 million people.

The conflict escalated recently when M23 rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, advanced into eastern DR Congo. Maghrebi reported on March 20th that this advancement came only a day after the presidents of both nations called for a ceasefire.

The breakthrough deal to be signed on June 27th was mediated by the US and Qatar, and provides for the “disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration” of armed groups according to the BBC. There are provisions in the agreement for a joint security mechanism to prevent future violence.

The US State Department released a statement saying that the deal was reached during three days of “constructive dialogue regarding political, security, and economic interests.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will personally witness the signing.

Eastern DR Congo where armed groups are fighting is a mineral rich region, and so if conflict comes to an end, western investment in the region can start, boosting economies and prosperity.

In 2024, experts from Rwanda and DR Congo almost reached an agreement on two occasions with Angola as a mediator to withdraw Rwandan troops. After ministers from both nations failed to endorse the deal, Angola stepped down as mediator. 

Maghrebi reported on April 1st that Qatar started mediating peace talks by holding discussions with the M23 rebels.

This peace agreement builds on a draft peace deal that was reached in Washington on May 5th.

BBC/Maghrebi