The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are expected to sign a landmark U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington on June 27, aiming to halt years of armed conflict in eastern Congo and stabilize a region rich in minerals but plagued by violence.

Agreement Targets Roots of Prolonged Conflict

Announced jointly by both nations and the U.S. State Department, the draft agreement includes clauses on disarmament, respect for territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities, and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. A key feature is the conditional integration of non-state armed groups into national frameworks.

Washington’s involvement marks a strategic bid to promote stability in a resource-critical region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the effort “a win-win for everyone involved,” hinting at future investment from Western firms in mining sectors including cobalt, tantalum, lithium, and copper.

M23 and Regional Tensions at Core

The deal follows a renewed escalation in January when M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda—captured Goma and later Bukavu. UN experts have confirmed the presence of about 4,000 Rwandan troops supporting M23, though Kigali denies involvement.

The M23 group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin. Critics say the rebellion serves as a proxy for Rwandan economic and strategic influence in eastern DRC.

International Concerns Over War Crimes

UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk warned this week that DRC forces, M23, and allied militias have all committed abuses that may amount to war crimes. Previous peace talks, including those mediated by Angola and Qatar, had stalled earlier this year, with Angola formally withdrawing from mediation in March.

Despite decades of hostility, Congo and Rwanda are not formally at war. The upcoming agreement is viewed as a pivotal moment for breaking the impasse.