Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi is preparing to travel to the United States next week to finalize a peace agreement with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, aimed at bringing an end to the long-standing conflict in eastern Congo.
The deal, which follows months of negotiations driven by US President Donald Trump, comes at a time when tensions remain high over Rwanda’s alleged links to the M23 rebel movement.
The Congolese authorities insist that the deal will only go ahead if Rwanda fully stops its support for the rebels. Tshisekedi confirmed that the signing will take place on December 4, while Kagame noted that lasting peace will rely on the commitment of every party involved.
Eastern Congo has suffered years of violence between government forces and more than 100 armed groups, with M23 fighters, reportedly backed by Rwanda, capturing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu this year. The violence has worsened one of the world’s biggest humanitarian emergencies.
A spokesperson for Tshisekedi stressed that the agreement will not include the integration of M23 fighters into the national army and that Congo’s borders and sovereignty remain untouchable.
Kagame, however, has voiced frustration over what he describes as changing promises from Congolese leaders, showing how delicate and complicated the road to peace still is.
