The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a landmark peace agreement brokered by the United States and Qatar, marking a crucial step toward ending the deadly conflict in eastern DRC.

Signed in Washington, D.C., by DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda’s Olivier Nduhungirehe, the pact was overseen by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement follows months of deadly clashes and displacement, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group.

Eastern DRC has long been destabilized by armed militias vying for control of the region’s rich mineral resources.

Reports suggest the U.S. is considering a separate minerals deal to reinforce peace efforts and economic stability in the area.