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In a mediation effort by the United States, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a peace agreement on the 27th in Washington D.C., aiming to end a conflict that has caused thousands of casualties.

During the signing ceremony, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed the agreement at the U.S. Department of State's treaty room. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken witnessed the historic moment and stated that this marks “a significant moment in the 30 years of turmoil.”

The content of the agreement includes commitments to respect the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prohibit hostile actions, and cease contacts with non-state armed groups. Additionally, Rwandan troops are to withdraw from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo within 90 days, and both countries will develop a framework for regional economic integration. U.S. President Trump praised the agreement, noting that it opens a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity for the region, signaling the end of violence and destruction.

This peace agreement is also expected to facilitate future negotiations between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the U.S. plans to provide security assistance in exchange for control over significant mineral resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Analysts suggest that this peace agreement may not resolve internal conflicts within the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the short term.

Since the 1990s, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict with over a hundred armed groups, many of which are believed to be supported by the Rwandan government. This includes the “March 23 Movement” (M23), a rebel group that occupied two cities and mineral-rich areas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo earlier this year. M23 has publicly stated that the peace agreement does not apply to their organization.

Under the watchful eye of Blinken (center), Rwanda's Foreign Minister Nuhonzire and Democratic Republic of the Congo's Foreign Minister Wagner signed the peace agreement.