Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to sign a peace agreement in Washington on Friday, aiming to end a protracted conflict in eastern DRC that has killed thousands and displaced millions. The accord, brokered with the help of Qatar and Lebanese-American advisor Massad Boulos, is being celebrated by former U.S. President Donald Trump as a diplomatic triumph, even as concerns over its vagueness and implications grow.
The agreement, to be signed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pledges to respect territorial integrity, prohibit hostilities, and disarm all non-state armed groups. However, the document reportedly lacks direct language about Rwanda’s alleged military involvement in eastern DRC, raising questions about enforcement and accountability.
The M23 rebel group, largely composed of ethnic Tutsis, reignited hostilities in late 2021 and has since seized major territories, including Goma. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels a claim supported by U.S. intelligence but denied by Kigali. Rwanda, in turn, demands the dismantling of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu group linked to the 1994 genocide.
A joint statement from the U.S., Rwanda, and DRC hinted at a “regional economic integration framework” and announced plans for a future summit involving Presidents Paul Kagame, Felix Tshisekedi, and Trump. Yet this economic angle has stirred controversy, particularly among Congolese civil society leaders.
Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace laureate renowned for his work with sexual violence victims, warned the deal risks legitimizing resource exploitation and rewarding aggression. “Sacrificing justice in exchange for a fragile peace undermines the rights of the Congolese people,” Mukwege said.
Both countries are courting U.S. favor DRC with its vast reserves of cobalt and lithium critical to green technology, and Rwanda through discussions on migrant resettlement programs, a key issue for Trump.
As the agreement is signed, optimism remains cautious. While the document represents a diplomatic milestone, its success will depend on its implementation and the political will of all parties involved.
