Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initialed a draft peace agreement, marking a significant step toward ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
The agreement is expected to be officially signed by ministers from both countries on 27 June, according to a joint statement released by the parties and the United States.
The deal follows three days of intensive negotiations and is viewed as a breakthrough in diplomacy facilitated by President Donald Trump’s administration. It outlines key commitments from both sides, including respect for territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, and a structured plan for the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.
One of the key elements of the agreement is the creation of a joint security mechanism, based on earlier proposals discussed during Angolan mediation efforts.
In 2024, Rwandan and Congolese technical teams had previously reached similar understandings, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the Rwandan Hutu rebel group FDLR. However, those agreements were not endorsed at the ministerial level. Angola, which served as mediator, stepped away from its role in March after repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure a lasting resolution amid rising tensions.
Conflict in eastern Congo intensified this year as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured major cities in the region. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of providing military support to M23, including troops and weapons. Rwanda denies these claims, stating its forces are acting in self-defence against Congolese troops and Hutu militias associated with the 1994 genocide.
The mineral-rich region holds vast reserves of cobalt, gold, tantalum, copper, and lithium. The peace agreement, if implemented successfully, could unlock billions in foreign investment and development projects.
The next few days will be critical as both governments prepare for the high-level ministerial signing, which may shape the security and economic future of Central Africa.
Red Bull have sacked team principal Christian Horner and appointed Laurent Mekies as the Briton's replacement, the Formula One team announced on Wedne...
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he's “cautiously optimistic” about securing a U.S.-EU trade deal within days, highlighting its crucial impor...
The European Union is stepping up its health crisis preparedness by stockpiling essential medical supplies and boosting coordination among member stat...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing foreigners to serve in the Russian army not only during a state of emergency or martial ...
A court in Uzbekistan has issued verdicts against two citizens for serving in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as 'contract soldiers'....
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 rate of sexual violence against children has reached shockingly high levels, stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Gunfire shook Goma overnight as fighting flared between M23 rebels and pro-government forces.
Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
Australian researchers have pioneered a low-cost and scalable plasma-based method to produce ammonia gas directly from air, offering a green alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged stronger sanctions and defence support for Ukraine as the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia nears approval.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,500-year-old city in northern Peru that likely served as a key trade hub connecting ancient coastal, Andean, and Amazonian cultures.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
Red Bull have sacked team principal Christian Horner and appointed Laurent Mekies as the Briton's replacement, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he's “cautiously optimistic” about securing a U.S.-EU trade deal within days, highlighting its crucial importance for Germany’s export-heavy industries.
Shipments of antimony to the United States have jumped to more than 3,800 tonnes in five months via Thailand and Mexico, customs data show, as buyers find back-door routes around Beijing’s export ban on critical minerals bound for the U.S.
The Kremlin says it remains calm after Donald Trump’s criticism of Vladimir Putin, expressing hope for ongoing dialogue with Washington despite rising tensions.
The European Union is pressing Washington to roll back punitive tariffs on its exports and to promise no new duties, a senior law-maker said on Wednesday, as negotiators race to finalise a framework accord by 1 August.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment