Congo and Rwanda Commit to Draft Peace Deal Amid Rising Regional Tensions

 In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed an agreement in Washington on Friday, committing to draft a comprehensive peace accord by May 2 and to cease providing military support to armed groups. The accord, witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a fresh effort to end the longstanding violence destabilizing eastern Congo.

The agreement comes against the backdrop of an aggressive advance by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels within Congo’s borders. According to the final text, it is also expected to unlock substantial U.S. public and private investment into the mineral-rich region, home to vast deposits of tantalum, gold, copper, cobalt, and lithium — critical resources for global technology and electric vehicle industries.

There is cautious optimism that this initiative may ease the latest surge in a decades-long conflict rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. However, past ceasefire agreements have often failed to deliver lasting peace.

Both countries further agreed to explore the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at dismantling armed groups and criminal networks operating in the region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Congo's Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, addressed citizens watching closely: "You have every reason to expect more than promises," she said, emphasizing the significance of the moment for Congolese civilians, particularly in the embattled east.

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described the agreement as a gateway to a "definitive peace," while highlighting ongoing discussions about creating regional economic value chains with the support of American private sector investment.

Washington has signaled strong interest in deepening its economic engagement in the region. Talks are underway to invest billions of dollars in Congo’s mining sector, with an emphasis on securing critical minerals currently dominated by Chinese enterprises. Rwanda has also initiated separate discussions with U.S. officials regarding a potential minerals partnership.

"A durable peace in the Great Lakes region will open the door for greater U.S. and broader Western investment, which will foster economic opportunities and prosperity," Secretary Rubio noted. He emphasized that American companies, known for their commitment to good governance, could ensure responsible and reliable supply chains for critical minerals.

The agreement, formally a "declaration of principles," sets out broad objectives, with a diplomatic source describing it as an initial framework toward more detailed commitments. Specific terms are expected to be finalized within the coming months.

The situation in eastern Congo has deteriorated sharply since January, following a major M23 offensive that captured key urban centers. The United Nations and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the rebel group — allegations Kigali firmly denies, asserting instead that its actions have been in self-defense against Congo’s army and militia groups linked to the 1994 genocide.

Mediation efforts have also intensified on other fronts. In March, Qatar brokered a rare meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, during which both leaders called for a ceasefire. Doha has since hosted further discussions between Congo and M23 representatives, culminating in a joint statement this week committing to the peace process.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the Washington agreement, calling it "a positive and important step toward fostering peace and stability" in the Great Lakes region.

The Trump administration’s heightened focus on Congo coincides with broader strategic interests in securing alternative sources for critical minerals. Earlier this year, a Congolese senator approached U.S. officials to propose a minerals-for-security pact, drawing Washington’s attention. High-profile figures such as Erik Prince, a key Trump ally, have also become involved, assisting Congo’s efforts to regulate and monetize its mineral wealth.

As negotiations progress, the international community will be watching closely to see whether this latest diplomatic effort can succeed where previous attempts have fallen short — and whether a more stable and prosperous era is finally within reach for the region.