Washington, June 28 — In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Congolese negotiators have agreed to drop their demand for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), paving the way for the signing of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on Friday. The decision marks a potential turning point in efforts to end one of Africa’s most persistent and destabilizing regional conflicts.
According to four sources familiar with the negotiations, the development follows months of high-level diplomatic engagement spearheaded by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The upcoming agreement, expected to be signed in Washington, seeks not only to restore stability to the restive border region but also to enhance U.S. access to critical mineral resources and encourage greater Western investment in the mineral-rich territories of both countries.
Strategic and Security Dimensions
Analysts and diplomats estimate that Rwanda has deployed over 7,000 troops into eastern Congo in support of the M23 rebel group, which earlier this year captured key urban centers and economically vital mining zones. While Rwanda continues to deny providing direct support to M23, claiming its actions are based on self-defence, the military presence has strained regional stability and intensified international scrutiny.
Earlier drafts of the agreement, prepared by U.S. negotiators, reportedly included a clause requiring Rwanda to withdraw its troops prior to the deal’s signing. However, sources told Reuters that Kigali pushed back, citing existential threats posed by Congo-based militias—especially the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which includes elements involved in Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
The revised framework now outlines a phased withdrawal of Rwandan forces over several months. Two sources confirmed that the timeline will be contingent on coordinated military operations targeting the FDLR and other armed factions. The delicate balancing of these conditions underscores the complex security dynamics underpinning the peace process.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told Reuters that any reduction in border security measures would depend on the “neutralisation” of the FDLR. Meanwhile, Tina Salama, spokesperson for Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, reiterated Kinshasa’s position: "Our intent remains the disengagement or total withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory."
While the U.S. State Department declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, insiders suggest the peace agreement is designed to build upon a declaration of principles reached in April. Last week, technical experts from both countries initialed a draft version of the accord, addressing key issues such as respect for territorial sovereignty, cessation of hostilities, and the disarmament and potential reintegration of non-state armed actors.
The draft also refers to a verification and monitoring mechanism established under an earlier Angola-mediated framework, which will track the drawdown of Rwandan forces and the conduct of Congolese operations against rebel factions.
Economic and Geopolitical Implications
Beyond its security dimension, the agreement carries substantial economic and geopolitical weight. The mineral-rich eastern DRC is home to vast reserves of gold, tantalum, cobalt, copper, and lithium—resources vital to the global tech and clean energy industries. By fostering peace and opening pathways for investment, the U.S. aims to secure more reliable access to these critical minerals while counterbalancing China's influence in the region.
If successful, the accord could mark a watershed in resolving a decades-long conflict that has claimed countless lives and destabilized central Africa. However, with numerous actors involved and deep-rooted mistrust on both sides, analysts caution that implementation will require sustained international engagement and rigorous oversight.
As the parties prepare to formally sign the agreement on Friday, the world watches with cautious optimism, hopeful that the long-troubled region may finally be on a path toward lasting peace.
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