Peace talks advance as Congo, Rwanda submit draft deal to US
The peace effort is part of a broader initiative led by the Trump administration.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, with the added goal of attracting billions of dollars in Western investments.
cto resolve a conflict that has plagued the region for decades, with its vast mineral wealth a key point of international focus.
Last month, the foreign ministers of both countries agreed to submit the proposal by May 2, following a ceremony in Washington.
This move was set against the backdrop of escalating violence in the eastern part of DRC, particularly with the M23 rebel group’s advancing forces.
However, as of now, neither the governments of Kinshasa nor Kigali have officially confirmed that the draft has been submitted.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, on social media, clarified that the two sides have yet to finalize their contributions to the peace plan.
Massad Boulos, senior adviser to President Trump for Africa and the Middle East, expressed his support for the peace proposal, calling it "an important step" towards a lasting resolution.
He confirmed that the plan is for a meeting between the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Washington in mid-May.
The goal of this meeting is to agree on a final version of the peace deal.
The Trump administration is keen to move quickly and, according to Boulos, hopes to finalize agreements with both Rwanda and Congo on economic cooperation.
The investment will target Congolese mines and infrastructure projects that support mining, including mineral processing in Rwanda.
The envisioned agreements, if successful, could lead to the signing of a trilateral accord, with a ceremony attended by President Trump.
The timing is ambitious, with all agreements expected to be finalized within two months.
The push for peace comes at a critical time. M23 rebels have been advancing in eastern Congo, where ongoing clashes have led to thousands of deaths and displaced many more.
The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of providing support to M23, though Rwanda denies these claims, asserting that its military acts solely in self-defense.
Meanwhile, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s government continues separate peace talks with M23, facilitated by Qatar.
Despite the peace discussions, fighting continues in eastern DRC. Recently, the Congolese army accused M23 rebels of seizing control of the town of Lunyasenge, located on Lake Edward.
The military has warned of possible retaliation as the situation remains tense.