Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement Friday at the State Department. The deal seeks to end decades of fighting between the African neighbors. The United States may gain access to valuable minerals as part of the arrangement. Foreign ministers from both countries attended the signing ceremony. Armed groups fighting in eastern Congo must disarm under the new terms.
President Donald Trump called the initial agreement a victory for Africa and the world. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi's office described it as the most important diplomatic success in over 30 years. Both leaders may travel to Washington to meet Trump together. The date for such a meeting remains unset. Previous peace deals in the region have collapsed.
M23 rebels captured large parts of eastern Congo this year. The group took control of Goma and Bukavu cities along with two airports. Thousands of people died during the recent fighting. Hundreds of thousands of civilians fled their homes. Congo's government asked America for help after losing territory.
Eastern Congo contains coltan and other materials needed for electronics. Congo reportedly offered mineral access in exchange for security promises. Rwanda denies backing M23 despite strong evidence of support. The country says its military presence protects against other armed groups. Rwanda accuses Congo of supporting FDLR rebels linked to the 1994 genocide.
Many details about the peace deal remain secret. Key questions about troop withdrawals and rebel disarmament lack clear answers. The agreement mentions respect for borders and refugee returns. Rwanda has at least 7,000 soldiers on Congolese soil.
President Donald Trump called the initial agreement a victory for Africa and the world. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi's office described it as the most important diplomatic success in over 30 years. Both leaders may travel to Washington to meet Trump together. The date for such a meeting remains unset. Previous peace deals in the region have collapsed.
M23 rebels captured large parts of eastern Congo this year. The group took control of Goma and Bukavu cities along with two airports. Thousands of people died during the recent fighting. Hundreds of thousands of civilians fled their homes. Congo's government asked America for help after losing territory.
Eastern Congo contains coltan and other materials needed for electronics. Congo reportedly offered mineral access in exchange for security promises. Rwanda denies backing M23 despite strong evidence of support. The country says its military presence protects against other armed groups. Rwanda accuses Congo of supporting FDLR rebels linked to the 1994 genocide.
Many details about the peace deal remain secret. Key questions about troop withdrawals and rebel disarmament lack clear answers. The agreement mentions respect for borders and refugee returns. Rwanda has at least 7,000 soldiers on Congolese soil.
