Washington: Congos President Felix Tshisekedi is set to travel to the United States next week to sign a final peace agreement with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame. The agreement aims to put an end to the prolonged conflict in eastern Congo, which has been marred by allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group.
According to Nam News Network, the peace deal is the culmination of months of diplomatic efforts spearheaded by US President Donald Trump. The negotiations have taken place against a backdrop of continued tension surrounding Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23, a rebel group that has been a significant player in the region’s instability.
The Congolese government has emphasized that any progress on the agreement is contingent on Rwanda ceasing its support for the rebels. President Tshisekedi has confirmed the peace deal is slated for signing on December 4, while President Kagame has highlighted that enduring peace hinges on the commitment of all parties involved in the conflict.
Eastern Congo has suffered from relentless battles between government forces and over 100 armed factions, with the M23 reportedly backed by Rwandan troops capturing major cities like Goma and Bukavu this year. This violence has exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis, considered one of the largest in the world.
A spokesperson for President Tshisekedi has made clear that the peace agreement will not permit the integration of M23 fighters into the national fold and stated that Congo’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Conversely, President Kagame has voiced his frustration over what he perceives as inconsistent commitments by Congolese authorities, highlighting the fragile nature of the path toward lasting peace in the region.