DR Congo and Rwanda Ink Peace Deal Amidst Persistent Eastern Hostilities

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda officially signed the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity on December 4th in Washington D.C., a significant diplomatic effort facilitated by the United States. This agreement aims to foster trust and advance lasting peace in the long-troubled eastern DRC, as reported by un News.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the accord as a "critical step," commending US President Donald Trump's efforts and congratulating Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, according to Anadolu Agency. The UN chief underscored the agreements' potential to restore trust and promote stability in the region.

Despite the high-profile signing, active fighting near border areas continues to severely impact civilians, UN News reported. Local health authorities in Walungu, for instance, admitted at least 13 civilians to hospitals following intense clashes, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated.

The Washington Accords build upon a preliminary peace agreement signed in June 2025 and a Regional Economic Integration Framework established in November, as detailed by the U.S. Department of State. These agreements seek to reinforce commitments to end decades of conflict and promote economic cooperation.

US President Donald Trump hosted the signing ceremony, emphasizing the potential for a new era of harmony and cooperation, ALM Media reported. He also highlighted the US interest in bilateral agreements for critical mineral access, stating that "everybody's going to make a lot of money."

However, the implementation faces considerable challenges, with both Congolese and Rwandan leaders expressing reservations. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe questioned Congolese commitment, while DRC President Tshisekedi hoped Rwanda would respect the deal, Voice of Nigeria noted.

• Historical Context of the Conflict: The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has endured decades of instability, largely stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the subsequent influx of Hutu refugees, some of whom formed armed groups like the FDLR. This has fueled a complex interplay of ethnic tensions, political corruption, and competition over vast natural resources, as detailed by Mongabay.

• The Role of the M23 Rebel Group: The March 23 Movement (M23) is a prominent Rwandan-backed rebel group operating in eastern DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu. Wikipedia notes that M23 resurfaced in 2022, launching significant offensives and capturing major cities like Goma and Bukavu, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.

• Key Provisions of the Washington Accords: The peace deal includes mutual commitments to cease hostilities, establish border security, and create dialogue mechanisms. According to alm Media, a crucial component is a framework for regional economic integration, with a focus on tracing and cleaning up supply chains for critical minerals like cobalt and coltan.

• US Facilitation and Economic Interests: The United States played a pivotal role in mediating the agreement, with President Trump personally involved. The U.S. Department of State indicated that the accords aim to unlock the Great Lakes region's economic potential and create opportunities for the US private sector, particularly in accessing critical minerals essential for high-tech industries.

• Ongoing Violence and Implementation Challenges: Despite the signing, fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels intensified in eastern DRC, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations, China Daily reported. Analysts from Foreign Policy Research Institute suggest that without M23 disarming and reintegrating, and without genuine political dialogue, lasting peace remains elusive.

• International and Regional Reactions: The UN, through its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, welcomed the accords and reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts towards sustainable peace and stability, reliefweb stated. The European Union also welcomed the signing, urging all actors to honor their commitments and calling for an effective ceasefire, according to the European External Action Service.

• Skepticism and Future Outlook: Many observers remain cautious about the deal's long-term success, given the history of failed peace initiatives and persistent mistrust. As Yahoo News Singapore highlighted, the actual implementation of the agreement, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the disarmament of armed groups, promises to be highly complex. The Congolese population, particularly in affected regions, remains skeptical, with residents like Amani Chibalonza Edith in Goma stating, "We are still at war."