Image placeholder

Wafric News – June 19, 2025

Washington, DC –The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have taken a major step toward peace with the signing of a provisional agreement aimed at ending ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The draft deal, announced late Wednesday, follows three days of high-level discussions in the U.S. capital.

The talks, mediated by the United States Department of State, focused on political, security, and economic concerns that have fueled one of Africa’s most complex conflicts. The formal signing of the agreement is set for June 27, according to a joint statement from the DRC, Rwanda, and the U.S.

Key provisions in the draft include disarmament of armed groups, reintegration of non-state actors, and plans for the safe return of refugees and displaced communities.

Members of the M23 rebel group mount their vehicles in Goma, North Kivu province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo on April 7, 2025

The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, largely driven by armed groups vying for control over vast natural resources. Tensions escalated earlier this year when the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of Goma and later the strategic town of Bukavu. Rwanda has denied involvement.

The humanitarian toll has been devastating, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in recent months. International watchdogs, including Amnesty International, have accused M23 of committing atrocities, including torture and civilian killings—actions that may constitute war crimes.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk recently condemned abuses by all parties involved, urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue.

The U.S. has ramped up efforts to end the violence, citing both security and economic interests. The mineral-rich region—home to cobalt, gold, lithium, and copper—is key to global supply chains. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the peace push a “win-win” for both regional stability and investment.

American envoy Massad Boulos played a central role in recent diplomacy, visiting both countries in April to urge Rwanda to end any support for M23. While previous ceasefire attempts have failed, this latest agreement, with Qatar and the U.S. now leading the mediation, offers a renewed chance for lasting peace.

All eyes are now on June 27, when ministers from both nations are expected to officially sign the deal in Washington, with Rubio in attendance.


By WafricNews Desk.

| Like

Comment


To post a comment, you have to login first
Login

No Comments Yet...