• Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement in Washington, aiming to end decades-long conflict.
• The US-brokered deal sets a framework for Rwanda to withdraw troops and launch regional economic integration.
• Sectarian violence has resulted in millions of deaths and widespread displacement in the eastern DRC.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement on Friday, raising hopes for an end to extensive fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year. A ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked this breakthrough, which aims to facilitate economic opportunities in a region abundant in minerals such as cobalt, gold, and tantalum according to TRT Global, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

The agreement stipulates that Rwandan troops will withdraw from eastern DRC within 90 days and calls for the establishment of a regional economic integration framework, representing significant progress in US-led efforts to stabilize the region, which has witnessed persistent conflict for decades. President Trump remarked, "We're getting, for the United States, a lot of the mineral rights from the Congo as part of it," highlighting the deal's implications for U.S. interests in the area according to Africa News and Le Monde.

Both Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner expressed cautious optimism regarding the deal, referring to it as a "turning point." However, they acknowledged the ongoing complexity and uncertainty stemming from prior agreements that failed to yield lasting peace. The commitment to a joint security coordination mechanism is seen as a vital step forward, according to South China Morning Post and TRT Global.

Despite this advancement, analysts caution that the reality on the ground may not shift swiftly. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to pose a significant threat as ongoing military operations against them remain critical. The rebels contest the legitimacy of the deal, suggesting it may not apply to them directly. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, emphasized the necessity of addressing their grievances before any formal peace talks can occur, as detailed by Los Angeles Times and Africa News.

Furthermore, the deal aligns with the U.S. strategy to establish greater influence in Africa amid competition with China, particularly concerning access to the region's critical mineral resources. The agreement is seen as a potential path towards not only long-term peace but also significant economic collaboration, fostering interest from Western investors, as noted in multiple reports including Le Monde and Reuters.