• DR Congo and Rwanda have initialed a draft peace agreement set for formal signing on June 27 in Washington.
• The agreement aims to end ongoing fighting in eastern Congo, particularly against the backdrop of the M23 rebel group's resurgence.
• The deal includes provisions for disarmament, security measures, and humanitarian assistance, aiming at restoring stability and economic cooperation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have initialed a significant peace agreement aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in eastern Congo, with a formal signing scheduled for June 27 in Washington. The agreement comes after three days of “constructive dialogue” on political, security, and economic interests, mediated by the United States and Qatar, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

The draft peace agreement incorporates crucial dimensions such as respect for territorial integrity, a prohibition of hostilities, and provisions for the disengagement and disarmament of non-state armed groups, including the M23 rebels, which have been accused of escalating violence in the region. Both the DRC and Rwanda seek to stabilize the situation following the capture of significant cities like Goma and Bukavu by the M23, a move attributed to their military support from Rwanda, as noted by India Times and BBC.

Despite the optimistic tone surrounding the agreement, skeptics highlight the potential challenges it may face without the M23's direct involvement in negotiations. The rebels have been enabled by external military support, heightening tensions and complicating the peace process. As U.N. experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are backing the M23, Rwanda vehemently denies these claims, stating its military presence is solely for self-defense against various armed groups in the DRC, according to Africa News and Al Jazeera.

This peace initiative also aims to unlock billions of dollars of foreign investment in the mineral-rich region, crucial for global supply chains, as stated by Los Angeles Times and CBS News. The impending deal could represent a shift in U.S. engagement in Africa, transitioning to more transactional relationships aimed at securing resources.

While past peace agreements have faltered, the hope is that this current effort will yield a more stable environment allowing for both humanitarian relief and economic growth in eastern Congo, deeply affected by decades of conflict. The importance of international involvement and accountability during the signing of this agreement is underscored by numerous past failures in peacemaking efforts, as articulated by BBC and AA.