United States brokers peace talks to stabilize mineral-rich DR Congo
The United States organized a meeting between the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, highlighting interest in investments in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo. Will it lead to peace?
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda agreed to develop a peace agreement by May 2, committing to respect sovereignty and refrain from supporting armed groups. The foreign minister of DRC, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and her Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed the agreement during a tense meeting in Washington, where there was no handshake.
Joint efforts for peace
The agreement is part of diplomatic efforts to end violence in the eastern part of the DRC, with the signing taking place two days after Qatar mediated an unexpected ceasefire between these African countries. The United States organized the meeting of foreign ministers from both countries, expressing interest in investments in the unstable but mineral-rich east of the DRC, where fighting between the DRC forces and M23 rebels has intensified since January.
M23 rebels captured key towns in the east, leading to the deaths of thousands of people. The United States and UN experts claim that M23 is supported by Rwanda, which has repeatedly denied these accusations, asserting that it is defending itself against hostile militias operating in the DRC, including remnants of the Hutu group responsible for the 1994 genocide.
Declaration signed in the presence of the United States
The joint declaration signed in the presence of US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, committed both sides to cease military support for non-statutory armed groups, though M23 was not directly mentioned. Wagner later stated that the agreement signifies a commitment to withdraw Rwandan forces, in line with a UN Security Council resolution.
- The good news is there is hope for peace. The real news – peace must be earned, and it will require seriousness, transparency and sincerity - said Wagner.
Nduhungirehe emphasized that the US President, Donald Trump, introduced "real change in conversations" about the DRC, including by linking them to efforts to expand US private sector investments.
Can the agreement unlock investments?
Rubio described the agreement as a "win-win," suggesting that it could unlock significant US-backed investments in the energy and mining sectors – areas where China already has considerable influence. The new US envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, recently visited both countries and called on Kigali to stop supporting M23 and withdraw troops.
Since 2021, both parties have agreed to at least six ceasefires that later collapsed. The latest wave of violence since January has killed thousands and raised fears of a broader regional war. Analyst Martin Ziakwau Lembisa believes US pressure pushed both governments toward diplomacy.
- If it were up to the M23, they would have advanced further. But how far the Americans will really get involved is the whole question - added the analyst.
