• Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington aimed at halting violence in eastern Congo.
• The deal includes a commitment to draft a peace agreement by May 2 and cease military support to armed groups.
• Both nations seek significant U.S. investments in the mineral-rich eastern regions, including copper and cobalt.

Congo and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement in Washington, pledging to draft a formal peace deal by May 2, amidst ongoing violence in eastern Congo. The agreement aims to foster diplomatic relations between the two nations and combat the influence of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained significant ground in the region. The signing ceremony was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflecting the U.S. government's interest in promoting stability and investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo's mineral resources, according to Reuters.

The deal specifically commits both nations to refrain from supporting armed groups while recognizing each other's sovereignty. This agreement raises hopes for a sustainable peace after decades of conflict rooted in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. However, previous ceasefire attempts have often failed to materialize into lasting peace, highlighting the skepticism surrounding this new accord, as reported by TRT Global and Le Monde.

This agreement will be crucial for attracting "significant" U.S. public and private investment in the region, which is abundant in tantalum, gold, and other minerals sought after by global markets. Both parties have expressed optimism that stability will lead to economic prosperity, which further emphasizes the importance of this diplomatic effort, states Reuters.

Foreign ministers from both nations were present at the signing, and while they agreed on many points, there remains a deep mutual suspicion, particularly regarding military support allegations involving the M23. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda has been unjustly accused and stressed that the security concerns of his nation must be acknowledged. Meanwhile, Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner urged for transparency and accountability in this peace process, as mentioned by Le Monde.