DR Congo and Rwanda take bold step to end years of conflict

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, took a bold step to end years of conflict when they reached a tentative agreement aimed at ending the long-running violence in eastern DRC.

The announcement came late Wednesday from Washington, D.C., following three days of talks involving both countries and the United States, according to online media sources

According to a joint statement, the discussions covered political, security, and economic concerns.

The draft deal includes commitments to disarm armed groups, integrate non-state fighters into national structures, and support the return of refugees and those displaced by the conflict.

Eastern DRC has endured violence for decades, driven largely by competition over valuable natural resources.

The conflict worsened significantly in January when the M23 rebel group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, took control of Goma, a major city rich in minerals.

Not long after, the group also captured Bukavu, a strategically important town. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied backing the rebels.

Since the beginning of the year, the renewed fighting has claimed thousands of lives and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Multiple armed factions, including government forces and rebels, have been accused of committing serious human rights violations.

Amnesty International released a report in May accusing the M23 group of torturing and killing civilians.

The organization said such acts breach international humanitarian laws and could be considered war crimes.

Adding to these concerns, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said this week that abuses have been committed by all sides in the conflict, including M23 rebels, Congolese troops, and allied militias.

He urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, return to peace negotiations, and uphold international human rights standards.

The United States is playing a leading role in efforts to end the violence, with a broader goal of unlocking billions in Western investment in the mineral-rich region.

Eastern DRC holds vast reserves of cobalt, copper, gold, and lithium, resources that are vital to global industries, including the production of electric vehicle batteries and electronics.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that resolving the conflict could pave the way for economic growth and long-term stability.

He described the combined goals of peace and investment as a “win-win” for everyone involved.

In a show of commitment, the U.S. envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, visited both DRC and Rwanda in April.

During his trip, he pressed Rwandan leaders to stop supporting M23 rebels and pushed for a renewed peace effort.

This is not the first attempt at peace in the region.

Since 2021, at least six ceasefire agreements have been signed, but none have held.

Earlier this year, Angola stepped down as mediator after its own attempts at peace-making failed.

Now, the U.S. and Qatar are taking the lead in trying to bring an end to the violence.

The new draft agreement is scheduled to be formally signed on June 27.

Ministers from both DRC and Rwanda are expected to attend the signing ceremony, along with Secretary Rubio.

While it remains to be seen whether this deal will succeed where others have failed, the involvement of the United States and the broader international community raises hopes for a lasting resolution.

For the millions affected by the conflict, whether through displacement, violence, or economic hardship, this agreement could mark a critical step toward a more stable and peaceful future.

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