The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda marked a significant milestone on Friday by signing a peace agreement facilitated by the United States, putting an end to a conflict that dates back 30 years and has claimed thousands of lives. The signing ceremony, a culmination of diplomatic efforts, promises a new era of stability and cooperation between the two nations.

The peace deal aligns with the Declaration of Principles which the two countries agreed upon on April 25, 2025. It seeks to restore bilateral relations, stimulate joint economic initiatives, and avert future conflicts. Additionally, it supports the ongoing dialogue between the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/March 23 Movement (M23), which is being mediated in Doha by Qatar. This comes in the wake of M23's violent takeover of key cities like Goma and Bukavu earlier in the year.

Another significant aspect of the agreement is its focus on humanitarian concerns, mandating both nations, with aid from UN agencies, to ensure the "safe, voluntary, and dignified return" of refugees and internally displaced persons to their original homes.

US Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, commended the agreement, emphasizing that while it does not promise an immediate cessation of hostilities, it "creates a real chance for lasting change." He highlighted the role of US President Donald Trump in bringing the conflicting parties to the negotiating table.

The origins of the conflict trace back to 1996 with Rwanda's invasion and subsequent proxy wars involving the Rwanda-backed M23 group. DRC's vast mineral wealth has been both a blessing and a curse, fueling the prolonged conflict and resulting in severe humanitarian crises, including the displacement of nearly 7 million people.

Despite the general optimism surrounding the peace deal, some experts remain skeptical, pointing out that the agreement does not fully address the deeper issues such as militia proliferation, ethnic tensions, and the quest for justice. Critics also worry about the potential for the US to prioritize mineral investments over lasting peace and justice, potentially turning the peace process into a transactional affair that overlooks critical social grievances.

The effectiveness of the peace agreement will also be influenced by the ongoing efforts of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, who is investigating war crimes associated with the conflict. The world now watches as these events unfold, hoping for a genuine and sustainable resolution to one of Africa's most enduring conflicts.

For further details on the peace agreement and its implications, visit the official announcements linked throughout this article.