HAMILTON (Canada), June 28 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda signed a US-mediated peace agreement on Friday, aiming to end the deadly fighting in eastern Congo, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"We're grateful that both of you were here, and it's instrumental. This is an important moment after 30 years of war," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the signing ceremony.
The agreement includes commitments to respect territorial integrity, cease hostilities, disengage and disarm non-state armed groups, establish a joint security coordination mechanism, and facilitate the return of refugees, humanitarian access, and regional economic cooperation.
According to various reports, the deal also paves the way for the US and American companies to gain access to the region's minerals as an incentive for helping to end the war.
Rubio expressed excitement over the deal and said: "We can't wait to have the heads of state and the presence of the respective countries here in Washington in a few weeks to finalise the complete protocol and agreement."
"But today is an important step in that direction," he added.
He further noted that "it is not just about ending wars, and it's not just about saving lives. It's about allowing people to live.”
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said a “turning point has been reached” with the deal.
“We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar's mediation efforts … to secure a peace agreement between the DRC government and the AFC/M23,” he added, pointing towards a new phase of the process.
“Shared growth and cross-border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries,” Nduhungirehe said, stressing that the DRC and Rwanda will “enhance economic cooperation, including with American companies and investors.”
Congolese minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner explained that the deal includes “the disengagement of armed forces, the protection of civilians, the return of displaced persons and of refugees under government authority, and establishes a follow-up mechanism to ensure compliance.”
She called it a “starting point, not the end goal,” vowing that Kinshasa “will certainly and resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected.”
Trump later welcomed the foreign ministers of both countries to the White House.
"We're here today to celebrate a glorious triumph," Trump said. "Today, the violence and destruction come to an end and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope.”
Trump signed letters to Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, congratulating them on settling the conflict and inviting them to Washington, DC.
M23 rebels at the centre of the conflict in eastern Congo have seized significant territory since December, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu, intensifying instability in a region long plagued by armed groups.
The Congolese government accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels fighting in eastern Congo, a claim Kigali denies.
The UN reports that the conflict has displaced more than 7.8 million people.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
