DRC and Rwanda give backing for peace deal in eastern DRC
Angolan negotiators say the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed a document that could lead to a lasting peace in eastern DRC.
Foreign ministers from the DRC and Rwanda approved a concept of operations – a strategy under which Rwandan troops will disengage from Congolese territory, Angola's foreign ministry said.
A previous draft of the plan in August set out the dismantling of a militia created by former ethnic Hutu leaders involved in the Rwandan genocide in 1994 as a precondition for Rwanda withdrawing its troops.
Often portrayed by Rwanda as a threat to its security, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda is one of several militias fighting alongside the Congolese armed forces against forces from the M23 group which is alleged to have backing from Rwanda.
UN welcomes DRC and Rwanda ceasefire, hopes for de-escalation of troops
Moves
Since 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of the eastern DRC, displacing thousands and creating a humanitarian crisis.
In August, Angola mediated a truce that stabilised the situation at the front line. But since the end of October, reports have emerged of ceasefire violations.
Earlier this month, officials from the DRC and Rwanda started a committee – chaired by Angolan diplomats – to monitor the skirmishes.
About six million people have been killed by fighting in the region since 1996, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in global history.
The UN has also highlighted alarming levels of violence against civilians, and particularly against women and girls.
Read more on RFI English
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