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Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have reached a draft agreement that could potentially end decades of conflict in the eastern part of DR Congo.
The breakthrough agreement, mediated by the United States and Qatar, outlined a framework for the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of armed groups operating in the volatile region.
According to the BBC, the deal included provisions for a joint security mechanism aimed at preventing future hostilities and is expected to be formally signed next week.
The US State Department confirmed that technical teams from both countries initialled the draft text on Wednesday, following three days of what it described as “constructive dialogue regarding political, security, and economic interests” in Washington, D.C.
A formal signing ceremony, scheduled for next Friday, will be witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the statement added.
The deal builds on a prior agreement signed in April, in which Rwanda and DR Congo pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and develop a comprehensive peace plan within weeks.
If fully implemented, the agreement could unlock billions of dollars in Western investment in the mineral-rich but conflict-ridden region of eastern DR Congo.
However, analysts have warned that key questions remain regarding the specific terms and enforcement mechanisms of the draft accord.
The decades-long conflict worsened earlier this year when M23 rebels—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—captured large areas of territory, including the key cities of Goma in January and Bukavu shortly afterward.
The rebels have since established governing structures in the territories under their control.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23, asserting that its military presence near the border is defensive and aimed at neutralizing threats from armed groups like the FDLR — a militia composed largely of ethnic Hutus linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
As the region awaits the final signing of the agreement, observers say the success of the peace process will largely depend on political will, international oversight, and commitment to long-term stabilization.
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