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Rwanda-DRC deal vital

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By  Editorial

The signing of a peace accord between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is good news for the peace and stability of the two countries and the East and Central African region in particular. It is a breakthrough that is likely to end decades of a devastating conflict and enable the two countries to forge co-operation and attract investment.

The United States brokered the peace agreement, raising hopes of an end to the fighting that has killed hundreds of civilians and displaced thousands this year alone. It is a pity that the region, which is rich in natural resources, especially minerals, has known only war, hampering its development. This area is rich in various minerals, including gold, cobalt, and lithium.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed as the Foreign ministers, Rwanda’s Olivier Nduhungire and DRC’s Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, inked the deal in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump is upbeat about the pact, which the Rwandese minister has described as a turning point.

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Presidents Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi are expected to visit the US within a few weeks to finalise the agreement. The decades-long conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of large parts of eastern DRC, including two cities and airports.

The implementation of a 2024 deal should lead to Rwanda's troops withdrawing from eastern Congo within 90 days and initiate a regional economic integration framework.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels by sending troops and arms, which it denies, arguing that it is only acting in self-defence against the Congolese Army and rebels linked to the 1994 genocide.

However, the pact should be treated with caution. Last year, Rwandan and Congolese officials reached an agreement twice for the withdrawal of the former’s troops, but it failed to be endorsed. A lasting solution must now be found.