The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are expected to sign a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington on Friday, 27 June, aiming to bring an end to years of violent conflict in eastern Congo.
The deal includes commitments to disarm armed groups, facilitate the return of refugees, and allow for the conditional integration of non-state fighters.
It also affirms respect for territorial integrity and the cessation of hostilities.
South Africa and SADC’s crucial role
While the US has been leading diplomatic efforts, South Africa has played a quiet but significant role on the ground.
Through the SANDF’s deploymentas part of the SADC regional mission, South African troops have helped protect civilians and secure areas destabilised by the M23 rebel group.
Soldiers from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa arrived in eastern Congo last December and joined a volatile frontline.
Operating under SADC’s regional mission, they were there to help the DRC government contain a crisis that was spinning out of control.
The M23 rebellion had already surged across the Kivus and taken Goma and Bukavu.
DRC and Rwanda: A region in crisis?
This comes amid accusations from Kinshasa that Rwanda is backing M23 rebels, claims Rwanda has denied.
UN experts say as many as 4 000 Rwandan troops have supported rebel advances in recent months, including the seizure of Goma and Bukavu.
The US has framed the deal as a potential turning point.
According to Euro News, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, called it a “win-win for everyone involved.”
He is hinting at plans to open eastern Congo to Western investment.
Do you believe the signing of the agreement will put an end to the conflict?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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