Peace push fuels US investment hopes in Congo and Rwanda
The USA organized a meeting between the foreign ministers of DR Congo and Rwanda, emphasizing interest in investments in the mineral-rich eastern part of DR Congo. Will peace be achieved?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda agreed to develop a peace agreement by May 2, committing to respect sovereignty and refrain from supporting armed groups. DR Congo's foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and her Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed the agreement during a tense meeting in Washington, D.C., where there was no handshake.
Joint efforts for peace
The agreement is part of diplomatic efforts to end violence in eastern DR Congo. Its signing came two days after Qatar brokered an unexpected ceasefire between the two African countries. The United States organized the meeting of the foreign ministers from both countries, expressing interest in investments in the unstable but mineral-rich east of DR Congo, where fighting between DR Congo forces and M23 rebels has intensified since January.
The M23 rebels captured key cities in the east, leading to the deaths of thousands of people. US and UN experts claim that M23 is supported by Rwanda, which has repeatedly denied the accusations, stating it is defending itself against hostile militias operating in DR Congo, including remnants of the Hutu group responsible for the 1994 genocide.
A declaration signed in the presence of the USA
The joint declaration, signed in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, committed both sides to cease military support for non-statutory armed groups, although M23 was not directly mentioned. Wagner later stated that the agreement signifies a commitment to withdraw Rwandan forces, in line with a UN Security Council resolution.
Wagner remarked, "the good news is there is hope for peace. The real news – peace must be earned, and it will require seriousness, transparency and sincerity."
Nduhungirehe emphasized that US President Donald Trump brought "real change in the conversations" regarding DR Congo, including linking them to efforts to expand US private sector investments.
Will the agreement unlock investments?
Rubio described the agreement as a "win-win," suggesting it could unlock significant US-backed investments in the energy and mining sectors – areas where China already has considerable influence. The new US envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, recently visited both countries and called on Kigali to stop supporting M23 and withdraw troops.
Since 2021, both sides have agreed to at least six ceasefires that later collapsed. The latest wave of violence since January has killed thousands of people and raised concerns of a wider regional war. Analyst Martin Ziakwau Lembisa believes that US pressure prompted both governments toward diplomacy.
The analyst added, "If it were up to the M23, they would have advanced further. But how far the Americans will really get involved is the whole question."
