Congo and Rwanda Leaders Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement Amid Ongoing Conflict
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda were scheduled to formally sign a peace agreement in Washington D.C. on Thursday at the Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace. This event follows a U.S.-brokered deal initially signed in June, aiming to address long-standing conflict in eastern Congo.
Background of the Agreement
The U.S.-brokered peace agreement was formally signed by both governments on June 27, following a period earlier in the year where tensions escalated, nearly leading to an all-out war. In January, M23 rebels, reported to be supported by Rwandan soldiers, seized control of two major cities in eastern Congo. Former President Trump had described the June agreement as "a glorious triumph" and stated it ended over 30 years of conflict in the mineral-rich region.
Terms and Current Status of Implementation
The agreement outlines specific conditions for both nations:
- Rwanda: Committed to withdrawing its troops from Congolese territory and ceasing support for the M23 rebel group, which is led by Congolese ethnic minority Tutsi commanders.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Committed to eradicating the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia. This militia was founded by ethnic Hutu extremists who fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 Tutsi civilians. Rwanda considers the FDLR an existential threat.
As of the signing ceremony, neither of these primary conditions had been fully met. Despite this, both Congolese and Rwandan leaders have expressed optimism for achieving lasting peace. President Tshisekedi articulated his hope for a "real peace" for both countries, emphasizing the requirement for Rwandan troops to depart from Congo permanently. The peace deal's full success is also linked to parallel negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 rebels, which are reportedly stalled.
Ongoing Conflict and International Reports
Even as the signing ceremony took place, fighting continued between Congolese forces and M23 rebels in eastern Congo, with significant combat reported around Kamanyola near the Rwandan border. Rwanda's government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, stated that the situation on the ground has improved since June, characterizing peace as a gradual process with important steps already taken.
Rwanda has consistently denied deploying troops to eastern Congo or providing support to the M23. However, United Nations investigators have reported the presence of Rwandan soldiers in eastern Congo since 2022, indicating thousands were present earlier this year and that Rwanda commands the M23 rebels. The U.S. government has also corroborated Rwandan military involvement, including the deployment of surface-to-air missiles within Congolese territory.
Economic Dimensions and U.S. Interests
An economic component is integrated into the peace deal, proposing cooperation between Congo and Rwanda on electricity generation, infrastructure development, and combating armed groups and smugglers in eastern Congo's mining sector. However, the Congolese government indicates that these economic initiatives are contingent upon the fulfillment of the security conditions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, despite being one of the world's poorest nations, possesses substantial mineral resources. It is the leading global producer of cobalt and the second-largest producer of copper, both crucial for rechargeable batteries in electronics and electric vehicles. The country also holds significant deposits of lithium, tantalum, and other strategic minerals. Alongside the peace agreement, Congo was scheduled to sign a separate economic partnership with the United States. Tina Salama, President Tshisekedi's spokesperson, stated that the U.S. interest in Congo's resources is expected to drive its involvement.
Domestic Perspectives and Challenges
Within Congo, the peace deal has faced criticism from opposition politicians and civil-society organizations who argue it has not yielded concrete results. The Congolese government has expressed its desire for the Trump administration to exert pressure on the Rwandan army to withdraw from its territory.