The U.S. brokered a peace deal last week between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a deal shaped by Washington’s access to critical minerals amidst growing competition with Moscow and Beijing. Without the involvement of M23 and other armed groups, the deal could collapse, mirroring a series of other failed diplomatic efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. The accord mandates 90-day withdrawal of Rwandan forces and the disarmament of rebel groups like the FDLR, but offers no clear penalties for non-compliance and entrusts enforcement to a joint body made up of the actors driving the conflict. The agreement overlooks the structural drivers of the protracted conflict – including ethnic grievances, resource rivalries and regional power struggles – raising doubts about its long-term viability.
Will the Fragile Peace Deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Hold? (Soufan Center)
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