The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have reached a preliminary peace agreement aimed at halting the protracted conflict in eastern DRC, a region plagued by violence for decades. The accord, initialed this week in Washington, is expected to be officially signed on June 27.
Brokered with support from the United States and Qatar, the deal expands on a prior declaration signed in April and outlines commitments to respect each nation’s territorial integrity while ceasing hostilities in the troubled border region.
According to a joint statement released by the two governments and their mediators, the accord emerged after three days of high-level talks held in the US capital. It also includes provisions for disarming and demobilising armed groups, with conditional plans for reintegration into national frameworks.
Key Armed Group Addressed
The M23 rebel group, accused by UN and US experts of receiving military support from Kigali, is among the armed factions referenced in the deal. M23 launched a renewed offensive earlier this year, capturing major eastern cities including Goma and Bukavu, and has since established local administrative control. Thousands have been killed amid the violence, which has triggered new waves of displacement.
Eastern DRC—rich in minerals but long destabilised by ethnic conflict and militia activity—has seen sporadic fighting for over three decades. The M23 resurgence since late 2021 has intensified the crisis, prompting regional and international concern.
Rwanda’s Position
Rwanda denies backing M23 but has consistently pointed to security threats emanating from eastern Congo. It specifically cites the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia founded by Hutu extremists involved in the 1994 genocide. Kigali argues that groups like the FDLR pose a direct risk to its national security.
Last month, Rwandan authorities confirmed that a formal peace accord was expected to be signed in mid-June, aligning with the newly scheduled date.
International Backing
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is slated to attend the signing ceremony later this month, signalling strong international interest in ending one of Africa’s most entrenched regional conflicts.
While the initialed agreement represents progress, its success will ultimately depend on whether both parties—and the armed groups involved—honour their commitments and move toward sustainable peace on the ground.