Drc and Rwanda Sign Us-brokered Peace Deal Amid Doubts

• The DRC and Rwanda have signed a peace deal brokered by Trump.
• The conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in six million deaths.
• Skepticism remains regarding the deal’s effectiveness and rebel involvement.

Peace Deal Aims to End Decades of Conflict

In a moment hailed by some as a significant milestone, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reached a peace deal facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, signed during a ceremony in Washington, aims to address the longstanding and deadly conflict in eastern DRC that has claimed around six million lives over the decades. Trump, speaking with characteristic bravado, celebrated the moment, asserting that he not only brokered the agreement but also secured substantial mineral rights for the United States from the DRC, positioning it as a victory on multiple fronts.

Skepticism Lingers Over Implementation

However, skepticism surrounds the deal’s potential to bring lasting peace, especially with the M23 rebel group backing Rwanda, which remains notably absent from the negotiations. The rebel group’s influence raises questions about whether the agreement will hold, given their previous disregard for similar accords. DRC’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, emphasized the importance of recognizing the conflict’s victims, invoking their memory during the signing ceremony with Rwandan foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, amid promises to withdraw Rwandan troops from eastern Congo in 90 days.

Challenges Ahead but Hope Remains

Despite the promise of change, there are prevailing concerns about the implementation of the new agreement. The past failures to adhere to similar treaties throw a shadow of doubt over this new arrangement. Wagner’s remarks highlighted a desire for healing among those who have suffered, while Nduhungirehe pointed out the ‘great deal of uncertainty’ about the future. He noted that although challenges lie ahead, the agreement could mark a turning point if it receives the necessary support from international partners, including the U.S.

The newly signed peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, brokered by the United States, offers a glimmer of hope in a region ravaged by conflict for decades. While the agreement represents a significant step forward, uncertainty about the commitment of rebel groups and past failures casts a shadow over its success. Attention will be essential in the coming months as all parties work towards translating this deal into real change.