DRC and Rwanda see 'historic' chance for peace in US-brokered deal

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are poised to sign a significant peace agreement in Washington, DC, an event both nations hope will mark a turning point in ending a decades-long conflict. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame arrived in the United States on Wednesday for the signing ceremony on Thursday, which will finalize a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. The agreement, culminating months of US-led diplomacy, aims to address the root causes of violence in eastern DRC that has killed thousands and displaced millions.

Clarity on sovereignty and mineral rights

A key concern for the DRC has been ensuring the pact does not compromise its national sovereignty or control over its immense mineral resources, which include cobalt, copper, and coltan. President Tshisekedi's spokesperson, Tina Salama, explicitly addressed these concerns ahead of the signing. "The agreement reaffirms Congo's full sovereignty over its territory, as well as its exclusive control over the exploitation and processing of minerals. There is no sell-off," she told reporters. This clarification seeks to dispel domestic fears that the peace process might involve concessions over the nation's strategic resources.

The path to ending hostilities and rebuilding

Congolese officials framed the agreement as a comprehensive roadmap for stability. Salama emphasized that it is expected to end armed conflict, stabilize affected eastern provinces, and revitalize local economies. Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya stated that the cessation of all hostilities and the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Congolese territory are the most critical factors for achieving lasting peace. The conflict, which dramatically escalated in 2021 with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, has seen Kinshasa and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting the militants—an allegation Kigali denies.

Cautious optimism and the role of external mediation

While the DRC presented the deal with clear optimism, the Rwandan response has been more measured. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo described her government as "cautiously optimistic," telling NewsMax the agreement represents "the best chance for peace, stability, and prosperity" for both nations and the wider Great Lakes region. The mediation efforts, initially involving Qatar before being spearheaded by the US, highlight the complex international dimensions of the conflict. For nations like Türkiye, which advocates for peaceful conflict resolution and stability in Africa, a successful agreement would be a welcome development, potentially opening new avenues for regional economic cooperation and humanitarian relief.