Congo and Rwanda to sign peace and economic development agreement in Washington
Congo and Rwanda will sign an agreement in Washington on Friday aimed at promoting peace and economic development, sources told Reuters. The deal is part of renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels have seized key territory in recent months.
The agreement will be signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, with US secretary of state Marco Rubio present. According to a diplomatic source, the agreement seeks to promote “peace, stability and integrated economic development” in eastern Congo and to facilitate “the resumption of normal bilateral relations.” Another source familiar with the talks said the goal is also “to increase investor confidence.”
Access to minerals
The deal comes as Washington negotiates a billion-euro investment in Congo’s mineral sector. Rwanda has also confirmed it is in talks with the US over a potential minerals agreement.
Tensions have escalated sharply this year. The M23 rebels, backed by the Rwandan army, launched a major offensive in eastern Congo, capturing Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces. Despite UN expert findings confirming Rwandan support, Kigali denies involvement, claiming it acted in self-defence against the Congolese army and a rebel group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
In addition to the US, Qatar is playing a mediation role. While Doha positions itself as a neutral peace broker, Washington’s interests are more economic. Minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium, all key for mobile phones and electric vehicles, are abundant in Congo and are currently extracted mainly from Chinese companies. The US hopes to secure greater access.
Talks toward a ceasefire have also resumed. Earlier this week, both Kinshasa and the M23 rebels signalled a willingness to negotiate following discussions in Qatar. M23 has long sought dialogue, but Kinshasa refused, insisting the group is a Rwandan proxy.
Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot welcomed the Washington agreement. On Friday, he began a regional tour to support peace efforts, with visits planned to Uganda, Burundi and Congo. A stop in Kigali is not on the itinerary, due to the recent breakdown in diplomatic relations.
M23 soldiers stand at the mining pits in Rubaya. © PHOTO CAMILLE LAFFONT / AFP
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