The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement Friday in Washington, aiming to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Brokered by the United States, the accord builds on the April 23 Declaration of Principles and promises respect for Congo’s sovereignty, disarmament of militias, and an end to hostilities.
Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner called the deal a diplomatic victory, while her Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe stressed an irreversible end to state support for militias.
Despite the agreement, experts and citizens remain wary, citing a long history of broken promises and failed ceasefires between the two neighbours.
Rwanda-based political analyst Louis Gitinywa noted past accords—the Goma, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi agreements—all collapsed due to lack of political will and implementation.
“The real question is whether leaders will honour this deal in good faith,” Gitinywa said, referencing the resurgence of M23 rebels since 2022.
Congo’s ruling party official Andre Mbata said enforcement of the agreement must align with UN Security Council Resolution 2773, which condemns Rwanda’s military presence in Congo.
“The international community must act to ensure implementation,” Mbata urged, citing UN reports documenting Rwanda’s involvement and the resulting humanitarian toll.
Civil society leaders called for public mobilisation and vigilance to prevent the agreement from becoming symbolic and toothless.
However, Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege harshly criticised the deal, accusing the U.S. of favouring geopolitical and economic interests over Congolese lives.
He warned the pact legitimises Rwanda’s occupation, bypasses international law, and surrenders Congo’s sovereignty under the guise of peace.
Mukwege called for a multilateral strategy that includes a clear ceasefire, immediate troop withdrawal, and strong sanctions for violations of UN resolutions.
With Congo’s mineral-rich soil at the heart of global interests, many fear the ink may dry before the guns do.
