The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda have signed a peace deal in Washington aimed at ending decades of devastating conflict between the two neighbors. The deal, which was finalized on Friday, calls for the “disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration” of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo.
US President Donald Trump, who brokered the agreement, described it as a “glorious triumph” and a “tremendous breakthrough.” The Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, praised the deal as a “generational victory.”
The agreement does not provide for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DR Congo, but rather calls for “disengagement” instead. Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 rebels, who have been waging an insurgency in eastern DR Congo since 2012.
Despite the lack of specifics on the deal’s terms, US officials and Congolese negotiators say it marks a major step forward in ending the conflict. The agreement includes provisions for the return of refugees, disarmament, and respect for territorial integrity.
The signing of the peace deal comes after years of failed negotiations between Rwanda and DR Congo. The two countries have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over regional security and resource access.
Critics say that the deal’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess its impact on the conflict. However, supporters see it as a crucial step towards ending decades of violence and instability in the region.
The peace deal is seen as a major diplomatic success for US President Trump, who has been seeking to strengthen ties with both Rwanda and DR Congo. The agreement sets the stage for further negotiations aimed at resolving the underlying conflicts that have driven the insurgency in eastern DR Congo.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e0ggw7d43o