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.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday (19 January) that an agreement reached between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces mus...
Azerbaijan is commemorating the 36th anniversary of the events of 20 January 1990, known as Black January, one of the most defining and painful chapte...
Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev said on Monday that he will resign from office, fuelling speculation that he may form his own political party ahead...
Iran is signalling to the United States that it retains the capacity to destabilise key regional and global interests, particularly energy markets, ac...
Global political and business leaders opened the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 56th Annual Meeting. Dubbed "A Spirit of Dialogue," the event will see...
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has suspended its spokesperson after he made discriminatory remarks targeting the Tutsi minority.
U.S. President Donald Trump brought together the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington on Thursday to sign a peace deal, despite ongoing fighting in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared the end of a 16th Ebola outbreak, closing a two month emergency in Kasai Province that pushed national and international teams into an intensive response.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
European leaders voiced growing alarm on Sunday over U.S. threats to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning the move could destabilize transatlantic relations and heighten tensions in the Arctic.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev said on Monday that he will resign from office, fuelling speculation that he may form his own political party ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump as Washington plans to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and several European allies.
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence chief attended a major regional defence exhibition.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, according to geopolitical analyst Ana Evans.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment