Peace deal aims to end violence and attract investment in DRC
The USA organised a meeting involving the foreign ministers of the DR Congo and Rwanda, highlighting interest in investments in the mineral-rich east of the DRC. Can peace be achieved?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda agreed to develop a peace agreement by 2 May, committing to respect sovereignty and refrain from supporting armed groups. The DRC's foreign minister, 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, and its signing occurred two days after Qatar brokered an unexpected ceasefire between these African countries. The United States organised a meeting of the foreign ministers of both countries, expressing an interest in investments in the unstable but mineral-rich eastern DRC, where fighting has intensified between DRC forces and M23 rebels since January.
M23 rebels seized key towns in the east, leading to the deaths of thousands of people. The USA and UN experts claim that M23 is supported by Rwanda, which has repeatedly denied these accusations, stating that it is defending itself against hostile militias operating in the DRC, including remnants of the Hutu group responsible for the genocide in 1994.
Declaration signed in the presence of the USA
The joint declaration signed in the presence of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, committed both sides to halt military support for non-statutory armed groups, although M23 was not directly mentioned. Wagner later stated that the agreement signifies a commitment to withdraw Rwandan forces, in line with the 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 - Wagner said.
Nduhungirehe emphasised that US President Donald Trump has brought "real change in conversations" concerning the DRC, including by linking them to efforts to expand private sector investments from the USA.
Can the agreement unlock investments?
Rubio described the agreement as a "win-win," suggesting it could unlock significant US-backed investments in the energy and mining sectors – areas where China already has significant influence. The new US envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, recently visited both countries and called on Kigali to cease supporting M23 and withdraw troops.
Since 2021, both sides have agreed to at least six ceasefires that later collapsed. The latest wave of violence since January has killed thousands of people and raised concerns about a wider regional war. Analyst Martin Ziakwau Lembisa believes US pressure forced both governments into 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, - the analyst added.
