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.
The U.S. and Pakistan have reached an agreement that includes reduced tariffs for Pakistan and a partnership in which the U.S. will assist in developi...
The U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea under a new trade deal that also includes a $350bn (about £264bn) South Korean investme...
Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, joining Fran...
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing concerns over judicial overreach and human rights violatio...
An estimated 80,000 children are vulnerable to cholera in West and Central Africa amid ongoing outbreaks and the onset of heavy rains, according to th...
M23 rebels threaten to suspend ceasefire efforts if Kinshasa fails to release prisoners by Sunday, accusing the Congolese government of blocking peace.
Rescue operations continued this Tuesday at the Lomera artisanal gold mine in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a shaft collapse over the weekend trapped an unknown number of miners underground.
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).
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
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.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
The U.S. and Pakistan have reached an agreement that includes reduced tariffs for Pakistan and a partnership in which the U.S. will assist in developing the country’s oil reserves, officials from both sides announced.
The U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea under a new trade deal that also includes a $350bn (about £264bn) South Korean investment in the U.S., President Donald Trump has announced.
Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, joining France and the UK in ramping up pressure on Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing concerns over judicial overreach and human rights violations. Yet major economic sectors were spared, following weeks of negotiations and lobbying from businesses on both sides.
An estimated 80,000 children are vulnerable to cholera in West and Central Africa amid ongoing outbreaks and the onset of heavy rains, according to the United Nations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment