Following months of negotiations facilitated by U.S. diplomats, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have formally signed a peace deal aimed at ending the persistent conflict in the eastern DRC. The agreement, announced in a joint statement, outlines steps to withdraw foreign combatants and establish a security framework to reduce cross-border violence. U.S. Secretary of State Tony Rubio praised the deal as ‘an important moment’ in promoting stability in a region long plagued by ethnic tensions and armed groups.
The peace accord comes amid growing international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where decades of conflict have displaced millions and caused widespread destruction. Both nations have faced accusations of supporting rebel groups, and the agreement is intended to foster regional cooperation and address grievances that have fueled the conflict. While the details of the deal remain under review, officials in both countries have expressed optimism that the agreement could pave the way for a lasting peace, with hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts to bring other regional actors into the process.