The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are working toward a peace agreement aimed at ending the violent conflict in eastern Congo, with both nations setting a target date of May 2.
On April 25, the Foreign ministers of both countries, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The MoU marks a potential step forward in resolving the crisis, with both nations hoping to foster regional economic collaboration, particularly in the mineral sector, with American investments playing a central role.
Despite this diplomatic milestone, skepticism abounds. Critics point to past failed ceasefire attempts and the lack of firm commitments in the latest deal. Jakob Kerstan of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Kinshasa expressed concerns, noting that there is no clear agreement on the withdrawal of M23 rebels from occupied territories, a key issue in the conflict. Additionally, the role of external actors, particularly the US, has raised questions about the underlying motives, with some fearing the agreement primarily serves Washington’s strategic interests, particularly in limiting Chinese and Russian influence over the DRC’s rich mineral resources.
The ongoing instability in South Kivu, where recent fighting has reignited despite ceasefire agreements, underscores the fragility of the peace process. Analysts argue that the conflict is deeply rooted in historical, ethnic, and political complexities, with some calling for a broader, locally-driven peace process. While the US-brokered peace talks may provide an initial framework for resolution, experts warn that the road to lasting peace will require far more than political agreements—it will need genuine commitment to disarmament, reconstruction, and addressing the root causes of the violence.