By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

A significant diplomatic breakthrough has been achieved between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, with technical teams from both nations initialing a draft peace agreement following intensive U.S.-mediated talks in Washington D.C. The provisional deal, which seeks to bring an end to the protracted and devastating conflict in eastern Congo, is slated for a formal ministerial signing ceremony on June 27 in the U.S. capital, to be witnessed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The agreement, which has been observed by Qatar, emerged from three days of constructive dialogue focusing on the complex political, security, and economic factors driving regional instability. It builds upon an earlier declaration of principles signed in April, marking a determined effort by the United States to foster lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

Central to the draft agreement are several critical provisions designed to de-escalate tensions and lay the groundwork for long-term stability:

• Mutual Respect for Territorial Integrity: Both countries commit to upholding each other’s sovereignty and refraining from hostile actions.
• Disarmament and Integration of Armed Groups: A core objective is the disengagement and disarmament of non-state armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, with the possibility of their conditional integration into national forces.
• Joint Security Coordination: The establishment of a collaborative mechanism will oversee border security and prevent future flare-ups.
• Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Return: The deal includes provisions to facilitate humanitarian assistance and ensure the safe and dignified return of the millions of Congolese displaced by the violence.
• Economic Cooperation: Beyond security, the agreement aims to foster regional economic growth and attract substantial Western investment into eastern DRC’s vast mineral resources.

The conflict in eastern DRC has deep historical roots and has intensified dramatically in recent months, largely due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. While Rwanda consistently denies supporting M23, both Kinshasa and UN experts accuse Kigali of providing military backing to the group. This year, the M23 made significant territorial gains, including the capture of key cities like Goma in January and Bukavu in February, plunging the region deeper into a humanitarian crisis. Recent reports from Human Rights Watch have also raised grave concerns, documenting alleged forced transfers of civilians by M23 to Rwanda, which could constitute war crimes.

Despite the renewed hope this agreement brings, observers caution that its success hinges on numerous factors, including the willingness of the M23 rebels—who were not direct signatories to this deal—to comply with its terms. Past peace efforts, mediated by other regional and international actors, have frequently faltered. Nevertheless, the current momentum, backed by high-level U.S. engagement, offers a crucial opportunity to transform a region scarred by conflict into one poised for stability and prosperity. A follow-up regional summit is expected to consolidate efforts toward peace and economic development.