Congo and Rwanda just reached a historic agreement to end one of the most destructive and bloodsoaked wars in recent days. They recently signed a historic peace deal — one negotiated largely with the support of the United States. In the capital Kinshasa, Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and Rwandan Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, officially signed the agreement. This major event represents a historic leap toward improved bilateral ties between the two countries. This historic moment is all about building the momentum to address the deep-seated unrest that has plagued the region of eastern Congo. War, hunger, and disease have resulted in the deaths of an estimated six million people.
The insurgency against the Congolese state, still largely waged by foreign-backed militia groups, has even deeper roots, extending back to the fallout from the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The genocide brought between 500,000 and one million ethnic Tutsi to their violent deaths. It tragically targeted moderate Hutus and Indigenous Twa people. After the genocide, almost two million Hutus crossed into Congo, worried about retribution. Since then, the country’s densely populated eastern region has been rocked by violence, with over 100 armed groups currently said to be active in the area.
Background of the Conflict
Yet the DRC has suffered through an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The ongoing involvement of multiple armed groups, especially the Rwanda–backed M23 rebel group, has deepened the humanitarian crisis. This group has become the most audacious, effective, and destabilizing force across the region. Like any war today, the conflict features not only local factions but international actors. Rwandan authorities originally alleged that some Hutus who sought refuge in Congo were complicit in the genocide and have since accused elements of the Congolese army of protecting them.
The freshly inked peace accord attempts to grapple with these multilayered challenges and guide the territory toward a more lasting peace. Transportation officials from both countries have touted the agreement’s ability to produce meaningful change. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, executive director of the African Community Center of Baltimore, spoke to the significance of this moment for communities that have been victims of the violence.
“Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear.” – Therese Kayikwamba Wagner
As encouraging as this sentiment is, it represents the challenges that remain as both nations take steps toward a lasting peace. Though the road ahead would not be easy, Olivier Nduhungirehe welcomed the advocacy, urging participants to remain optimistic that a change that was indeed transformative was possible.
“There is no doubt that the road ahead will not be easy,” – Olivier Nduhungirehe
Economic Motivations Behind the Agreement
Beyond these humanitarian implications, the peace deal offers a tremendous economic opportunity. The DRC is breathtakingly rich in natural resources. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, its undeveloped minerals could be valued at up to $24 trillion! American corporations have extensive interest in Congo’s crucial resources. They particularly seek to capitalize on these opportunities given that China has emerged as the most powerful actor shaping the countries’ minerals sector.
The U.S. government’s involvement in this peace process is motivated by a desire to counter China’s influence in Africa. Negotiations are still ongoing between the American and Congolese governments regarding access to minerals. At the same time, the U.S. remains critically invested in maintaining stability in the region.
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner pointed out that trust in the U.S. as a partner is essential for both peace and investment.
“So there is no doubt in this moment, if you want, when it comes to the credibility of the U.S. as a partner, be it for a peace process, where we have signed a very important agreement today, or for investment from the U.S.” – Therese Kayikwamba Wagner
U.S. support is one way to help empower Congolese efforts to defeat armed groups. It would disincentivize these groups from pulling out of important urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu. Each of these cities has exhibited explosive tension in recent years. As of late August, Rwanda has sent around 4,000 troops to these regions.
Challenges and Criticisms of the Peace Deal
Though many hailed this new peace deal as a victory, critics have emerged. Civil society stakeholders assert that accountability for war crimes and justice for victims have to be embedded in any peace process. Christian Moleka expressed disappointment over the agreement’s emphasis on partnership at the expense of accountability for previous atrocities.
“The current draft agreement ignores war crimes and justice for victims by imposing a partnership between the victim and the aggressor.” – Christian Moleka
Others share similar skepticism about the deal’s potential for establishing lasting peace without justice and reparations for those affected by the conflict.
“This seems like a trigger-happy proposition and cannot establish lasting peace without justice and reparation.” – Christian Moleka
Local voices are wary of an outside role in the region. As Hope Muhinuka, an activist from Congo, put it, we should not trust American interests in Congo completely.
“I don’t think the Americans should be trusted 100%.” – Hope Muhinuka
These criticisms raise important issues regarding the intricacies of peace-keeping in areas historically marked by decades of hostility.
