The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will officially sign a peace agreement in Washington on June 27, marking a pivotal step toward ending years of violence in eastern Congo. An information shared on June 18 by the US State Department.
The deal, backed by the U.S. State Department, outlines mutual commitments to respect territorial integrity, cease hostilities, and disarm non-state armed groups, including the integration of some into national frameworks under strict conditions. The breakthrough follows months of tensions, with Congo accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, a charge echoed by U.N. experts who report the presence of 4,000 Rwandan troops aiding the insurgents.
The conflict intensified earlier this year when M23 rebels captured key cities including Goma and Bukavu, escalating a crisis that has displaced over seven million people and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Previous peace talks, such as those held in Qatar, have failed to yield lasting solutions. Though scepticism remains, particularly from rebel leaders like Corneille Nangaa, who doubt the impact of international sanctions or U.S. mineral deals, the upcoming agreement represents renewed diplomatic momentum to restore stability in the mineral-rich and conflict-ridden region.