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The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington on Friday to end the long-running conflict in eastern Congo.
The deal, based on principles from an April 23 Declaration, addresses Congo’s concerns over territorial integrity, armed group disarmament, and regional stability.
Terms and Cautious Reception
The agreement calls for a cessation of hostilities between the two countries.
Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, called it a victory, while Rwanda’s Olivier Nduhungirehe said it commits both sides to ending support for militias like the FDLR.
But many experts and Congolese citizens remain skeptical.
Rwandan analyst Louis Gitinywa told Anadolu that past deals have failed due to a lack of political will.
He noted repeated ceasefire violations since the 2022 M23 rebel resurgence—a concern also raised by President Paul Kagame.
Andre Mbata from Congo’s ruling Sacred Union urged firm enforcement of UN Resolution 2773, which condemns Rwanda’s support for M23 and calls for troop withdrawal.
Civil society leader Christian Shauri warned the deal risks becoming “a dead document” without public pressure and action.
Concerns Over Resources and Sovereignty
Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege criticised the deal as prioritising economic interests over Congo’s needs.
He said it fails to name Rwanda as the aggressor, allowing it to defy international law with impunity.
Some analysts argue the US is using the peace push to secure access to Congo’s vast natural resources.
Congo holds 70% of global coltan reserves, 30% of diamonds, and large stocks of cobalt, copper, and bauxite.
Gitinywa said, “for Trump, it is America first,” reflecting continued Western exploitation.
Mukwege warned that, despite claiming to respect sovereignty, the deal’s provisions “plant the seeds of prolonged conflict.”
He said the Rwandan army’s withdrawal now depends on joint action against Rwandan rebels, effectively authorising its presence on Congolese soil.
Mukwege concluded he sees little hope the deal will ease the suffering of the Congolese people.
He called for a multilateral approach, with firm timelines and strong sanctions for failure to meet UN demands.