The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have reached a draft peace accord during United States and Qatari-brokered talks in Washington, aiming to bring a long-awaited end to a decades-long conflict in eastern DR Congo.
The breakthrough agreement, initialled by technical teams on Wednesday, outlines disengagement, disarmament, and the conditional integration of armed groups operating in the troubled region. The final signing ceremony is slated for next Friday and will be witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The agreement also provides for the creation of a joint security mechanism to prevent future escalations, a long-standing demand of regional stakeholders.
In a statement, the US State Department said the deal followed three days of “constructive dialogue regarding political, security, and economic interests” between Rwandan and Congolese officials in the American capital.
The eastern part of the DR Congo, rich in minerals, has been at the heart of protracted violence involving the M23 rebel group, which seized large territories earlier this year, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda, accused by Kinshasa of backing the rebels, has repeatedly denied any involvement.
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The statement added that the accord, once signed, could unlock substantial Western investments in the volatile but resource-rich region.
The M23 rebellion, revived in late 2023, intensified in early 2025, leading to fierce clashes that left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Since seizing control of swathes of territory, M23 rebels have established administrative structures, further escalating the crisis.
In late April, Rwanda and DR Congo signed a preliminary understanding in Washington, pledging to respect each other’s sovereignty and commit to drafting a peace framework within days.
Despite previous attempts at reconciliation under Angolan mediation—including two rounds of talks between Congolese and Rwandan experts—the initiative collapsed in March when ministers failed to endorse the outcomes, prompting Angola to withdraw as mediator.
Observers say the Washington-brokered deal marks the most significant diplomatic progress in years. Analysts, however, remain cautious, noting that previous agreements have faltered amid mutual suspicion and regional rivalries.
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