DRC and Rwanda Agree to Pursue Peace Deal in Washington

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to pursue a peace agreement after months of deadly fighting between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group, diplomatic sources confirmed on Saturday.

The breakthrough came after high-level talks facilitated by U.S. officials in Washington, DC, aimed at de-escalating tensions in eastern Congo, where violence has displaced thousands and strained regional stability. Both sides committed to resuming formal negotiations and pledged to work toward a comprehensive ceasefire and eventual peace settlement.

According to diplomats familiar with the discussions, the DRC and Rwanda agreed to establish a roadmap for de-escalation, including withdrawal of rebel forces, restoration of state authority in contested areas, and mechanisms for monitoring ceasefire violations. Rwanda, which has been accused by Kinshasa and United Nations experts of supporting the M23 rebels — a charge it denies — has signaled readiness to cooperate under international oversight.

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The talks come amid mounting international pressure to end the conflict, which has devastated communities in North Kivu province and heightened humanitarian concerns. The United States, European Union, and African Union have all called for an urgent resolution to prevent further regional destabilization.

While the agreement represents a significant diplomatic step, major challenges remain. Analysts caution that deep mistrust between Kinshasa and Kigali, combined with the complex network of armed groups operating in eastern Congo, could complicate implementation.

An official communique from the U.S. Department of State welcomed the outcome of the talks, urging both nations to honor their commitments and ensure the protection of civilians. Further negotiations are expected to be held in the coming weeks to finalize the peace framework.