Congo and Rwanda file draft peace deal to end conflict
Congo and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal as part of a US driven plan aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo, Africanews and AP reported on May 6th.
Massad Boulos, US President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Africa and the Middle East, announced the submissions and described them as “an important step” toward achieving peace. The conflict intensified earlier this year when M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, seized major cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
As a result, the violence has caused approximately 7,000 deaths and displaced over seven million people, further deepening one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises. Despite the turmoil, eastern Congo continues to draw global interest due to its vast reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, gold, and copper.
In response to the worsening crisis, the BBC reported on April 4th that the US pushed both nations to engage in diplomatic efforts. Consequently, the draft peace proposal emerged as a potential gateway to restoring stability and unlocking major Western investments in the region’s mining sector.
It is hoped that the presidents of Rwanda and Congo will ink the accord by mid-June at the White House, with President Trump and regional leaders present.
This proposal builds on momentum from an April meeting in Washington, where Congo and Rwanda committed to working toward a peace agreement under the supervision of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Africanews and AP, BBC
