Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have set a target of May 2 to produce a draft peace agreement, pledging to respect each other’s sovereignty after significant rebel advancements.
The top diplomats of both nations signed a declaration in Washington, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio present.
They committed to coordinating to generate an initial draft peace agreement for mutual review by the May 2 deadline.
The declaration emphasized mutual acknowledgment of sovereignty and territorial integrity, committing to resolving disputes peacefully through diplomacy rather than force.
While not explicitly naming the M23 rebels, both countries agreed to refrain from providing state military support to non-state armed groups and to establish a joint security coordination mechanism.
This follows a recent surprise announcement of a halt in fighting between the DRC and M23 rebels as they work towards a permanent truce in the conflict-ridden east.
The conflict, raging since January, has resulted in thousands of deaths along the border.
The US and other Western governments, along with UN experts, have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Rwanda denies.
A new US envoy for Africa has urged Rwanda to cease support and withdraw any troops from DRC territory.
Qatar played a key role in facilitating talks between Rwanda and the DRC.
The DRC has sought US support, partly by offering agreements on access to its critical minerals.
The joint declaration anticipates “significant investments” facilitated by the US government and private sector, with both countries agreeing to collaborate with the US on mineral value chains and hydropower development.
Rwanda cites threats to its security in eastern DRC from armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
The M23 primarily consists of Tutsis.
