Rwanda and DR Congo Sign Historic Peace Agreement to End Decades-Long Conflict

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1734 EAT on Thursday 19 June 2025

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have made significant progress toward ending their decades-long conflict. Here are the key developments.

The breakthrough, mediated by the US and Qatar, provides for the “disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration” of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo.

This agreement aims to address the complex security challenges in eastern DR Congo and promote stability in the region.

Rwanda has denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of significant areas in eastern DR Congo.

This development highlights ongoing efforts to address the complex security challenges in eastern DR Congo and improve regional relations.

A recent draft peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda aims to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC.

The peace deal is set to be formally signed on June 27 in Washington, witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have made significant progress toward ending their decades-long conflict, with a draft peace agreement initiated by technichal terms on Wednesday.

A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for next Friday, to be witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The deal builds on a previous accord signed in late April, which required the two countries to draft a peace agreement within days.

Despite this progress, analysts warn that sustained pressure will be necessary to prevent a relapse into conflict, given the complex history and multiple armed groups involved.

The decades-long conflict in eastern DR Congo has recently escalated.

This complex situation has led to ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.

The conflict between Rwanda and DR Congo has led to mutual accusations, with Rwanda accusing DR Congo of backing the FDLR and DR Congo denying this while accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, which Rwanda also denies.

The M23 rebels have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, and established governing structures in the regions under their control.

The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced from their homes.

The DR Congo government sought US assistance after losing territory to the M23 rebels, reportedly offering access to critical minerals like coltan.

Eastern DR Congo is rich in resources vital to global electronics industries.

Previous peace deals between the two countries have been fragile and prone to unraveling.

Despite agreements reached by experts under Angolan mediation, ministers failed to endorse the deals, and Angola eventually stepped down as mediator in March.

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