The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set to sign a peace accord on June 27 in Washington, D.C., aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern DRC. The agreement, which was initialed this week, marks a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to quell violence in the resource-rich region that has witnessed decades of turmoil.
According to a joint statement released by both nations and co-mediatorsthe United States and Qatar the accord builds on a declaration of principles signed in April. The agreement includes critical provisions on the respect of territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, disengagement, disarmament, and the conditional integration of non-state armed groups.
The United States, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will witness the signing, underlining Washington’s role in facilitating three days of intense political, security, and economic discussions between Congolese and Rwandan officials.
At the heart of the conflict is the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which launched a major offensive earlier this year, capturing Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC and establishing parallel administrative structures. The violence has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of even more civilians. While UN and U.S. reports have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 militarily, Kigali has consistently denied these claims, asserting its national security is threatened by armed militias in the DRC, particularly the FDLR—a group formed by Hutu extremists responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The peace accord is expected to be a cornerstone for future regional cooperation and peace-building, with provisions for the integration of armed factions under strict conditions. Analysts view this development as a potential turning point in a region long plagued by ethnic tensions, rebel insurgencies, and complex geopolitical interests.
While challenges remain, particularly in monitoring compliance and ensuring disarmament, the June 27 signing signals renewed hope for peace in eastern Congo and improved relations between two neighboring countries that have often found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict.
