President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) celebrated a significant diplomatic achievement as his country signed a historic agreement with Rwanda. This deal, marked by the signing of foreign ministers from both nations at the U.S. State Department, is seen as a major step forward in a relationship strained by decades of conflict.
The agreement comes in the wake of escalating violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized control of key areas, including Goma, Bukavu, and several airports. This surge in conflict has led to thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. In response, the Congolese government sought assistance from the U.S., offering access to its rich mineral resources in exchange for security support.
Rwanda has faced accusations of backing the M23 rebels, claims it denies, insisting its military presence is a defensive measure against threats from armed groups like the FDLR, which has ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The situation is further complicated by mutual accusations between the two nations regarding support for various armed groups.
The agreement signed includes provisions aimed at respecting territorial integrity and preventing hostilities. However, details remain vague, particularly regarding the status of Rwandan troops in DRC, with Rwanda reportedly having around 7,000 soldiers on Congolese soil. While Congolese negotiators initially pushed for an immediate withdrawal of these troops, Rwanda refused to commit to this demand. Instead, both sides used the term "disengagement," which Tshisekedi’s office described as a broader concept than withdrawal.
In the lead-up to the signing, Rwandan officials expressed frustration over leaks related to the agreement and emphasized the importance of confidentiality in negotiations. The disagreement over troop withdrawal remains a contentious issue, with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister stating that terms like "withdrawal" were absent from the final document.
Several pressing questions linger after the signing. Will the M23 rebels withdraw from occupied territories? Will the agreement facilitate the return of Congolese refugees from Rwanda? How will disarmament be handled, particularly concerning the M23 and the FDLR? And will humanitarian access improve, allowing aid to reach those in need?
As the DRC and Rwanda embark on this new chapter, the success of the agreement will depend on the willingness of both parties to uphold their commitments and address the underlying issues that have fueled conflict in the region.