Rwanda and DRC Sign a Pact to Replace Conflict with Cooperation

(The Post News)– After months of bloody clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a deal signed in Washington this past Friday could mark the beginning of a new chapter between the DRC and Rwanda. The two neighbours, whose relationship has long been marred by mistrust and accusations of rebel activity, have resolved to replace firearms with discussion and maybe turn their common issues into economic opportunities.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed the agreement on behalf of the DRC, while Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe put pen to paper for Kigali. The signing ceremony was hosted by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by key U.S. officials including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Ambassador Troy Fitrell.

The declaration sets 2 May as the deadline for drafting a more formal peace agreement. For now, both sides have committed to respecting each other’s borders and avoiding support for armed groups. “To our countrymen and women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the east, we know you are watching this moment,” said Wagner. “You have every reason to expect more than promises.”

The announcement follows intense fighting in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured several strategic towns. The violence has forced thousands to flee, with civilians caught in the crossfire. South Africa lost 14 soldiers during this year’s fighting, raising alarm across the continent.

Not everyone believes the pact is solely about peace, even if others have hailed it as a diplomatic victory. In an interview with SABC News, Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director of the Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies, expressed concerns. “The more they move talks away from where the conflict is happening, the clearer it becomes that these efforts may be less about peace and more about access to DRC’s resources,” Tumushabe said. “When you look at what happened yesterday, it looked more like a minerals deal than a peace deal.”

Nonetheless, the high-ranking U.S. officials attending the signing indicate Washington’s intention to promote stability and maybe make investments in the region’s economic prospects. It’ll be fascinating to see if this deal holds up after the May deadline. However, for now, it gives a respite from the slaughter and a rare display of camaraderie between two struggling nations.