The United States is pushing for rapid progress in peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a senior U.S. diplomat indicating an “extremely aggressive timeline” for an agreement by June or July.
U.S. Special Envoy Troy Fitrell stated that technical teams are working to advance the process, aiming to translate agreed principles into action and finalize a peace agreement soon.
Washington seeks to accelerate negotiations, with Fitrell emphasizing the urgency: “If we are going to do it, we do it now.”
A planned May meeting between Rwandan and DRC foreign ministers did not occur, underscoring persistent tensions.
Separately, in a Qatar-led mediation effort in Doha, delegations from the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group have been recalled for further talks, sources confirmed.
This parallel track aims to address the armed conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have recently seized territory.
Despite international efforts, deep mistrust persists between Kinshasa and Kigali, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies.
The U.S. is increasingly involved in bridging these differences, though diplomats caution that a lasting settlement hinges on political will from all parties.
