A major diplomatic shift has emerged in Central Africa as Congolese negotiators have reportedly dropped their demand for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo. The move clears the path for a peace agreement to be signed between Congo and Rwanda on Friday in Washington, D.C.
The long-running conflict, intensified by the presence of at least 7,000 Rwandan troops allegedly backing the M23 rebel group, has led to the seizure of key Congolese cities and mining territories. Rwanda has denied backing the rebels, claiming self-defense amid regional tensions.
The peace deal, brokered by the U.S. under President Donald Trump, aims to end years of instability and attract foreign investment into the region’s rich mining sectors. Congo and Rwanda hold valuable resources such as cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and gold—key to global tech and energy markets.
While the agreement is expected to formalize diplomatic principles established earlier this year, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to immediate de-escalation on the ground or merely lay the groundwork for further talks.
