- Agreement includes security guarantees, disarmament plans, framework for regional economic cooperation

ISTANBUL

The US-facilitated agreement signed in Washington on Friday by leaders from Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda marks a tentative step toward easing tensions in a region reeling from renewed M23 rebel attacks – an escalation that has turned eastern Congo into one of Africa’s worst humanitarian emergencies in years.

The agreement reflects growing international pressure to resolve the crisis non-militarily, and it could mark the beginning of the end of one of Africa’s most persistent regional conflicts.

This is one of the most comprehensive agreements ever signed between the two countries, combining military de-escalation, humanitarian protection, and regional economic reform. While challenges remain, it represents a serious effort to address the root causes of violence and build a more stable and prosperous Great Lakes region.

Why and how did this deal come to be?

Since December 2024, the M23 rebel group – one of many operating in eastern Congo – has taken control of the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu, escalating unrest in a region plagued by armed conflict and mineral disputes, while asserting it is protecting the Tutsi minority.

The conflict has disrupted the delivery of food, medicine, and other humanitarian materials to the conflict-hit areas. Many places remain inaccessible due to the lack of security, leaving displaced people without basic necessities.

Congo has long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, while Rwanda has consistently denied this.

Rwanda, likewise, accuses the Congolese army of allying with rebels in the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose members are blamed for the 1994 genocide.

In March, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame called for a ceasefire during surprise talks mediated by Qatar's emir in Doha.

In April, Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe signed a US-brokered declaration in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the event.

The two sides pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and draft a peace agreement to end hostilities in eastern Congo.

Last week in Washington, technical teams from both countries initialed a draft agreement in the presence of US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, ahead of the formal ministerial signing held on Friday, which was witnessed by Rubio.

“We're grateful that both of you were here, and it's instrumental. This is an important moment after 30 years of war,” the US secretary of state said at the signing ceremony.

The Rwandan foreign minister said a “turning point has been reached” with the deal.

The Congolese foreign minister, for her part, called it a “starting point, not the end goal,” vowing that Kinshasa “will certainly and resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected.”

US President Donald Trump signed letters to Rwandan President Kagame and Congolese President Tshisekedi, congratulating them on settling the conflict and inviting them to Washington.

The Luanda Process, a regional diplomatic initiative, laid the groundwork by producing a “Harmonized Plan” to demobilize rebel fighters and reduce tensions. The new agreement builds directly on this roadmap and the April 25 Washington declaration of principles.

How does the deal aim to resolve the conflict?

Congo and Rwanda pledged to respect each other’s territorial integrity and end all hostile actions – ranging from cross-border military operations to support for armed groups – with Congo committing to neutralize the FDLR and Rwanda agreeing to withdraw its troops and dismantle border defenses within three months.

Under the deal, both sides are barred from backing rebel groups like M23 and are required to support efforts to disarm, demobilize, and vet fighters before any reintegration into civilian life or state forces.

The agreement calls for the creation of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism within 30 days, bringing together military and intelligence officials from both countries to track armed groups, share intelligence, and oversee compliance. The US and Qatar will serve as observers.

The conflict has displaced millions, and the agreement includes provisions for the safe return of refugees and internally displaced people, along with guarantees for humanitarian access. Both governments pledged to work with the UN and aid agencies to support affected communities.

The parties agreed to cooperate with MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, recognizing its role in protecting civilians. The agreement also created a Joint Oversight Committee – involving the US, African Union, and Qatar – to monitor implementation and mediate any disputes.

Beyond security, the deal sets a forward-looking agenda. Within three months, Congo and Rwanda will launch a Regional Economic Integration Framework aimed at boosting cross-border trade, formalizing mineral supply chains, and developing joint economic projects. The initiative is expected to involve US investors alongside African regional organizations like the African Continental Free Trade Area, the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

Peace in the Great Lakes region has been difficult to achieve, with previous agreements hindered by mistrust and continued armed conflict. The implementation of this deal depends on complex and politically sensitive tasks. The outcome will largely depend on the commitment of both countries and their regional and international partners.