DR Congo and Rwanda Sign Preliminary Peace Agreement

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a provisional peace agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, according to a joint statement issued by both countries along with the United States Department of State. This significant development followed three days of intensive and constructive dialogue in Washington, DC, focused on political, security, and economic interests.

The draft agreement includes key provisions on disarmament, the integration of non-state armed groups into national frameworks, and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. It seeks to address the root causes of the prolonged conflict that has plagued eastern DRC for decades. This region has been severely impacted by ongoing violence as various armed groups compete for control over the area’s vast and valuable natural resources, including cobalt, copper, gold, and lithium.

Tensions escalated sharply in January when the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured Goma, a strategically important and mineral-rich city. A few weeks later, the same group took over the key town of Bukavu. While the Rwandan government has denied any involvement or support for the M23 rebels, multiple reports and international observers have pointed to their alleged backing. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people since the beginning of 2024 alone.

Human rights violations have been a major concern during this conflict. Several parties, including the M23, DRC’s military forces, and allied armed groups, have been accused of committing serious abuses. In a report published in May, Amnesty International accused the M23 rebels of torturing and killing civilians, actions that may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the violations from all sides and urged an immediate ceasefire, renewed negotiations, and full adherence to international human rights standards.

The United States has played an active role in mediating the peace efforts, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the goals of achieving peace and unlocking economic investment in eastern DRC as a “win-win” outcome. The U.S. believes that stabilizing the region will not only save lives but also open the door to billions of dollars in Western investment, particularly in the mining sector, which is crucial for the global supply chain of green technologies.

As part of its diplomatic engagement, the U.S. sent Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, to both DRC and Rwanda in April. During his visit, he pressed Rwandan officials to cease any support for the M23 rebels. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements being made since 2021, none have held long-term. Angola, which previously acted as a mediator, withdrew from its role in March. The U.S. and Qatar have since taken the lead in peace-brokering efforts.

The current draft agreement, seen as a hopeful step toward lasting peace, is scheduled to be formally signed on June 27 by ministers from both countries in the presence of Marco Rubio.