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The recent truce brokered by President Donald Trump between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has sparked renewed hope for peace in the region. DR Congo’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, emphasized the importance of parallel talks with Rwandan-backed rebels to ensure the success of the peace agreement.
In a historic ceremony in Washington, the two countries agreed to put an end to decades of conflict and collaborate on disbanding proxy militias. President Trump hailed the agreement as a significant diplomatic achievement, signaling a new era of cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
Kayikwamba stressed the interconnected nature of the peace processes, highlighting the need for progress in negotiations with the M23 rebels in Qatar. She expressed confidence in the United States’ commitment to the peace agreement, citing Washington’s active involvement and sense of urgency in the process.
The transactional nature of the deal, which includes potential access for US companies to DR Congo’s vast mineral resources, has been defended by Kayikwamba. She emphasized that interest-driven decisions are often the most sustainable and Washington’s vested interest in regional stability bodes well for the agreement’s success.
Under the terms of the truce, Rwanda has pledged to cease support for the M23 rebels, while DR Congo has committed to neutralizing the FDLR militia. The agreement holds the promise of billions of dollars in US investment in mining, metals processing, and infrastructure, along with efforts to formalize cross-border trade in minerals.
However, skeptics have raised concerns about the deal’s effectiveness, particularly in addressing the grievances of the M23 rebels. Former President Joseph Kabila has dismissed the process as “diplomatic theatre,” questioning the absence of key stakeholders from eastern DR Congo.
Despite challenges, Kayikwamba remains optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement with the M23 rebels in the coming weeks. She emphasized the importance of establishing security as a foundation for successful business ventures, underscoring the interconnectedness of peace and economic development.
Both the US and DR Congo are hopeful that increased American investment will reduce Chinese dominance in the country’s mining sector. Kayikwamba clarified that this shift is not intended as a slight to Beijing, but rather a strategic diversification of partnerships to address the complex challenges facing DR Congo.
The truce represents a significant step towards lasting peace in the region, with the potential to transform the economic landscape and foster greater stability in the Great Lakes region. As negotiations progress, all parties involved remain committed to realizing the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous future for DR Congo and Rwanda.
