The peace agreement outlines the disengagement, disarmament, and potential integration of armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo, particularly the M23 rebels. It also includes provisions for the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes. However, while the deal addresses the root causes of the conflict, many important details remain unclear, including the timeline for implementation and the specific role of the United States.

Disagreements Over Troop Withdrawals

One of the most contentious points of the agreement is the issue of Rwandan troops in DR Congo. Rwanda has stationed thousands of troops in the eastern DR Congo region, particularly in areas controlled by the M23 rebels. While DR Congo has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces, Rwanda has resisted, arguing that its military presence is essential for protecting the country from hostile armed groups, including the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Despite Rwanda’s stance, the agreement refers to "disengagement" instead of "withdrawal," leaving room for interpretation. Congolese negotiators had pushed for a clearer commitment to pull out Rwandan forces, but this was not fully realized in the final document.

US Role and Regional Impact

The agreement was facilitated with the involvement of the United States, which has a vested interest in the region due to DR Congo’s rich mineral resources, including coltan, vital to the global electronics industry. President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have both framed the agreement as a potential turning point for the region, though concerns about its implementation persist.

Implementation Challenges and Key Questions

While the deal is being hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, several challenges remain. Key questions about whether the M23 rebels will vacate the territories they occupy and whether the disarmament process will be successful are still unanswered. Furthermore, the question of how humanitarian access will be facilitated and whether the rebel-held airports will reopen for aid distribution remains unclear.