The United States is pressing Rwanda to pull out its forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo before a peace deal is signed, as Washington seeks to end a bloody conflict rooted in decades-old regional tensions and tied to rich mineral stakes.

Washington’s Draft Sets Precondition for Peace

According to Reuters, a U.S.-drafted agreement—confirmed by four diplomatic sources—makes Rwandan withdrawal a prerequisite to any peace accord. Rwanda has deployed between 7,000 and 12,000 troops to eastern Congo to support M23 rebels, who seized strategic areas in a lightning advance earlier this year.

Congo’s government insists that a “total withdrawal” is non-negotiable. “We demand the total withdrawal of Rwandan troops as a precondition for signing the agreement, and we will not compromise,” said a senior Congolese official.

The U.S. proposal envisions billions of dollars in Western investments flowing into Congo’s tantalum, cobalt, lithium, and copper sectors following the deal.

Regional and Rebel Dynamics Complicate Talks

Rwanda denies backing M23, claiming self-defense against Congolese and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide. The deal proposes a “Joint Security Coordination Mechanism” that could include international observers to address lingering militia threats.

In a separate track, Qatar is mediating direct negotiations between Congo and M23, but little progress has been reported. The U.S. draft calls on Rwanda to ensure that M23 withdraws from all occupied territory per the terms of the Doha agreement.

Political Stakes and Strategic Ambitions

Trump adviser Massad Boulos said in May the administration wants the deal finalized “within about two months.” Analysts warn that the U.S. plan risks failure unless Rwanda agrees to scale back its military footprint, especially amid accusations of exploiting conflict minerals.

Congo, meanwhile, views M23’s inclusion in a national dialogue as a “major concession” and is reluctant to equate it with other non-state armed groups.