Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken a significant step towards ending hostilities in the conflict-stricken eastern region of Congo, with technical teams from both countries initialling a draft peace agreement. The preliminary accord, backed by the United States, was announced on Wednesday and is expected to be formally signed on 27 June.
The joint statement issued by the three parties outlines key areas of agreement aimed at restoring stability in eastern Congo, which has endured years of violence involving armed groups and regional power struggles. The draft agreement follows three days of negotiations and includes commitments to respect territorial integrity, halt hostilities and implement a process for the disarmament and possible integration of non-state armed groups.
A central element of the proposed deal is the creation of a joint security mechanism. This structure incorporates elements previously discussed during mediation efforts led by Angola last year, although those attempts ultimately failed to yield a lasting resolution.
Efforts to secure peace between the two neighbours have faced repeated setbacks. Twice last year, under the guidance of Angolan mediators, technical teams from Rwanda and Congo reached consensus on plans for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the FDLR, a Rwandan Hutu militia accused of harbouring individuals linked to the 1994 genocide. However, both times, ministers from the respective governments were unable to endorse the agreements, and Angola eventually withdrew from its role as mediator in March this year.
The situation in eastern Congo deteriorated further in recent months as the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting, mounted a sweeping offensive. Their advance led to the capture of major cities in the region, raising fears of an escalating regional conflict. Congo claims that Rwandan forces are directly aiding M23 with troops and weapons. Kigali has repeatedly denied these accusations, insisting its military presence near the border is defensive, aimed at protecting its territory from Congolese forces and hostile militias, including remnants of the FDLR.
The eastern part of the DRC remains one of Africa’s most volatile zones, but it is also among the most resource-rich, with vast reserves of minerals such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. These resources are critical to the global tech and energy industries, and there is hope that a lasting peace could unlock billions of dollars in Western investment and bring economic development to the region.
While the initialling of the draft agreement does not guarantee a final settlement, it marks a rare moment of progress in a longstanding conflict that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. If the signing proceeds as scheduled, it could mark a turning point in diplomatic efforts led by the United States under the current administration to bring stability to a region vital to Africa’s future and global supply chains.
