DRC and Rwanda Seal U.S.-Brokered Deal to Address M23-Linked Conflict
WASHINGTON/KINSHASA/KIGALI, April 25, 2025 — In a major diplomatic milestone, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered Declaration of Principles in Washington, aimed at resolving the long-standing tensions linked to the M23 rebellion and setting a foundation for lasting peace.
The historic event was convened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signing the Declaration. Secretary Rubio co-signed the document as a witness.
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos, and U.S. Ambassador to DRC Troy Fitrell.
Key Commitments Under the Declaration
In a statement, Secretary Rubio said the Declaration commits both nations to:
- Recognize and respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Address legitimate security concerns jointly.
- Promote regional economic integration.
- Facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.
- Support the United Nations mission, MONUSCO.
- Develop a draft Peace Agreement.
Rubio emphasized the U.S. commitment to assisting both parties in translating the agreement into tangible, “win-win” outcomes for their peoples.
The breakthrough builds upon earlier mediation efforts led by the African Union and regional leaders and comes amid rising global alarm over escalating violence in Congo’s North Kivu province.
Since 2021, M23 rebels—often accused of receiving support from Rwanda—have captured substantial territory, displacing hundreds of thousands and worsening regional instability. Rwanda has denied these allegations, while Kinshasa views the rebellion as external aggression.
Focus on Regional Economic Integration
Beyond addressing security, the Declaration lays the groundwork for major economic initiatives:
- Hydropower development
- National park management
- Formalizing and de-risking mineral supply chains
- Building transparent, legal mineral markets
These programs will be developed “in partnership with the U.S. government and U.S. private investors,” according to the Declaration.
Both governments pledged to produce a first draft of a comprehensive Peace Agreement by May 2, 2025. Should disputes arise, their Foreign Ministers will reconvene in Washington, D.C., under the supervision of the U.S. State Department.
The Declaration also outlines a phased strategy for regional economic integration, building on existing initiatives like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC).
This broader integration aims to enhance transparency, boost trade and investment, and ensure that natural resource wealth benefits the populations of both countries.
Security Coordination
On security cooperation, the Declaration affirms:
- Mutual recognition of legitimate security concerns along their common border.
- Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- No state support to non-state armed groups.
- Exploration of a joint security coordination mechanism to address threats from armed groups and criminal organizations.
Cautious Optimism
The U.S. has pledged sustained engagement to support the full implementation of the Declaration and ensure momentum toward peace is maintained.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, analysts caution that the durability of the agreement will heavily depend on the sustained political will of both governments and robust international monitoring mechanisms.
The volatile history of broken peace deals in the Great Lakes region underscores the monumental task ahead, even as the international community welcomes this promising new beginning.
