DRC and Rwanda Set to Sign Peace Agreement to End Eastern Congo Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set to sign a peace agreement on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., aiming to end the prolonged conflict in eastern Congo. This development follows the initialing of a draft agreement on June 18, after three days of negotiations supported by the United States.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been marked by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group composed mostly of ethnic Tutsis. In early 2025, M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan troops—though Rwanda denies this—captured key cities like Goma and Bukavu. The M23 claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin, but critics argue their campaign serves Rwanda’s political and economic interests.

The peace agreement includes provisions for mutual respect of territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, and the disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups. It also establishes a joint security mechanism and builds upon proposals previously discussed under Angolan mediation.

The United States has played a significant role in facilitating these negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw a pledge signed by both nations on April 25, 2025, to work toward a peace agreement. The U.S. has been urging swift progress in peace negotiations, aiming for an agreement as early as June or July.

The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. As of February 3, 2025, over 700,000 people were displaced within Goma, and 7.8 million people were internally displaced in the whole country as of December 2024. The fighting has destroyed 70,000 emergency shelters around Goma and Minova in South Kivu, leaving 350,000 internally displaced people without shelter.

The eastern DRC is rich in key minerals like tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The peace agreement could open the door to significant Western investment in the region, which is rich in these minerals. The DRC is also separately negotiating a mineral agreement with the U.S. to encourage U.S. oversight and regional economic integration.

Past peace talks between the countries have yielded limited results, and experts remain cautiously optimistic about the agreement’s durability. Political analyst Christian Moleka emphasized that long-term success hinges on Congo implementing security reforms and sustained international support.

The upcoming signing of the peace agreement represents a significant step toward stabilizing eastern Congo. The success of the agreement will depend on the commitment of both nations to its provisions and the support of the international community.