Rwanda and DR Congo Agree to Draft Peace Deal by May 2

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and work toward a draft peace agreement by May 2, following months of escalating violence in eastern Congo.

The agreement, signed by the two nations’ foreign ministers in Washington on Friday, was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The deal marks a rare diplomatic step forward between the neighboring countries, whose relations have been strained by allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group.

Escalating Violence and Displacement

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced in recent months as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have seized large portions of mineral-rich eastern DRC. The conflict has intensified since January, with rebels capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu, raising fears of a broader regional war.

DR Congo has accused Rwanda of arming M23 and deploying troops to support the rebels—a claim Rwanda denies despite assertions from the United Nations and the U.S. Kinshasa has sought Washington’s assistance in exchange for access to critical minerals essential for advanced technologies.

The newly signed declaration commits both nations to resolving disputes "through peaceful means grounded in diplomacy and negotiation" and to refrain from supporting non-state armed groups. A joint security mechanism will be established to counter such groups.

Ceasefire Hopes Amid Ongoing Fighting

Earlier this week, the DRC government and M23 rebels expressed willingness to pursue a permanent ceasefire, though clashes reportedly continued in North Kivu province on Friday. Since January, officials estimate nearly 7,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

The U.S. has played a key mediating role, with newly appointed Africa envoy Massad Boulos—father-in-law of President Donald Trump’s daughter Tiffany—visiting both nations this month. Qatar has also facilitated talks.

The agreement signals expectations of "significant investments" from the U.S. government and private sector, particularly in mineral supply chains and hydropower development. However, challenges remain as Rwanda cites security concerns over Hutu-led armed groups in eastern Congo, while the DRC pushes for a full withdrawal of alleged Rwandan forces.

The decades-long conflict, rooted in regional rivalries and resource competition, shows no immediate signs of resolution, but Friday’s agreement offers a tentative step toward de-escalation.