A U.S.-brokered peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda is set to be signed on Friday, marking a significant step towards easing tensions between the two nations.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Congolese negotiators have dropped their demand for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo, paving the way for the deal.
The agreement outlines a phased withdrawal of Rwandan troops over several months, contingent on operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militant group based in eastern Congo comprising remnants of the Rwandan army and militias that carried out the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda has consistently expressed concerns about the FDLR’s presence in eastern Congo, viewing it as a threat to national security.
Kigali has accused Kinshasa of failing to take adequate action against the militants, fueling tensions between the two nations.
The peace deal aims to end years of conflict rooted in Rwanda’s concerns that are linked to the effects of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Also, Rwanda has denied providing arms and troops to the M23 rebels, who seized eastern Congo’s two largest cities and lucrative mining areas earlier this year, claiming it is acting in self-defense against persecution and marginalization.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that “FIRST, it’s not Washington that was irked by the leak of a draft peace agreement but Kigali, which demanded the other parties to respect the confidentiality of the discussions.
SECOND, you can’t find anywhere in the draft peace agreement to be signed tomorrow, the words ‘immediate withdrawal of Rwanda’s defensive measures’. As a matter of fact, the words ‘Rwanda Defense Force’, ‘Rwandan troops’ or ‘withdrawal’ are nowhere to be seen in the document.”
The agreement also seeks to attract Western investment to the mining sectors of both countries, which are rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
These minerals are crucial for the production of electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and other advanced technologies.
The signing of the peace agreement will mark a significant step towards stability in the region, but its implementation and long-term impact remain to be seen.
If successful, the deal could help reduce tensions between Rwanda and Congo, promote economic development, and improve the lives of millions of people in the region.