President Donald Trump is preparing to host a landmark diplomatic event this Thursday in Washington. Leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will gather to finalize a significant agreement. This Rwanda-DRC peace deal aims to resolve longstanding hostilities between the two neighboring nations.
The pact, officially titled the “Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity,” follows months of intense US negotiations. Crucially, the agreement focuses on economic cooperation. It seeks to attract billions in Western investment to the region, which is abundant in minerals like cobalt and lithium.
Challenges Facing the Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal
Despite the planned ceremony, fresh violence on the ground threatens to dampen the optimism. Just days before the signing, the Congolese army and M23 rebels exchanged heavy accusations of ceasefire violations.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe remains hopeful. He views the accord as a vital step toward regional stability.
“Peace is a process,” Nduhungirehe remarked in Washington.
However, he defended the continued presence of Rwandan troops inside Congolese territory. He described their deployment as a strictly “defensive measure.” Kigali insists these forces will remain until the DRC neutralizes the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
“We are yet to see any beginning of operations against the FDLR,” Nduhungirehe noted, questioning Kinshasa’s commitment.
Kinshasa Demands Troop Withdrawal
The Congolese government firmly rejects Rwanda’s narrative. Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya blamed recent clashes entirely on M23 rebels. He argued that ongoing violence demonstrates that “Rwanda doesn’t want peace.”
Furthermore, he outlined Kinshasa’s specific requirements for the Rwanda-DRC peace deal to succeed.
“Peace for us means the withdrawal of Rwandan troops,” Muyaya asserted.
Additionally, he demanded an immediate end to support for M23 insurgents. Despite the friction, Congolese officials expressed hope that the Trump administration can turn the written agreement into a reality on the ground.
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