US President Donald Trump has commended the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for their efforts to end a decades-long conflict in the eastern Congo. The praise came during a ceremony in Washington, where Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi signed an agreement aimed at resolving the conflict.
The agreement, which was facilitated by the US and other partners, including the African Union and Qatar, builds on a previous deal signed in June and is seen as a significant step towards peace in the region. However, analysts caution that the deal is unlikely to immediately result in peace and may not address the humanitarian crisis on the ground. The M23 rebel group, which has been involved in clashes with the Congolese army, did not attend the Washington meetings and is not bound by the terms of the agreement.
Despite these challenges, the signing of the agreement marks a positive development in the region. President Kagame expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s involvement, stating that the US leader had taken the initiative to contribute to peace in the region. President Tshisekedi also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a “new path” towards peace.
The agreement is part of a broader effort to promote economic integration and cooperation in the region. The US has signed bilateral agreements with the Congo and Rwanda, which are expected to unlock new opportunities for access to critical minerals and promote economic growth. These agreements will build on a Regional Economic Integration Framework previously agreed upon by the three countries.
The conflict in the eastern Congo has been ongoing for decades, resulting in significant humanitarian suffering and instability in the region. The international community has been working to support peace efforts, and the latest agreement is seen as a significant step towards a more stable and peaceful future. While challenges remain, the signing of the agreement marks a positive development and highlights the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace and stability.