DRC and Rwanda vow to draft peace deal by May 2

Reuters

The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and to refrain from providing military support to armed groups, according to an agreement signed in Washington as part of efforts to end violence in eastern Congo.

The foreign ministers of Rwanda — which has faced criticism for backing M23 rebels — and the DRC — which has seen major cities fall in its turbulent, mineral-rich east — signed the declaration in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The agreement, reached amid an unprecedented advance by M23 rebels, is expected to open the door for significant U.S. public and private investment in the region, which is rich in minerals such as tantalum and gold.

Both sides also committed to establishing a joint security coordination mechanism to counter non-state armed groups.

The deal raises hopes that the latest cycle of violence, rooted in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, might ease. However, previous ceasefire efforts have repeatedly failed to deliver lasting peace.

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