The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to a peace deal in Washington, DC, to stop years of fighting between the two neighboring countries.
On Friday, the foreign ministers of both nations met at the White House and signed an agreement with support from the United States and Qatar. This deal brings hope to end the violence, which has worsened this year due to the M23 advances. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths and displaced many people since January.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called the agreement a major step forward for the DRC. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said the next steps include withdrawing fighters, seeking justice, and helping displaced families return home.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted the ministers in Washington, said, “This is a big moment after 30 years of war.”
The agreement also helps the US and its companies access key minerals used in technology, as the US and China compete for influence in Africa. this deal is an important move but the fighting, which has killed millions since the 1990s, may not end quickly.
