Congo and Rwanda have presented a draft peace proposal as part of a U.S.-led effort to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump for Africa and the Middle East, confirmed the receipt of these drafts from both countries, describing it as “a significant step” towards achieving peace.
The conflict intensified earlier this year when M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured major cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
This violence has led to around 7,000 fatalities and displaced over 7 million individuals, worsening one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. Eastern Congo is abundant in essential minerals like cobalt, gold, and copper.
The peace proposal is viewed as a means to facilitate considerable Western investment in the region’s mining industry.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister indicated that discussions for a comprehensive peace agreement will resume later this month, with the expectation that the presidents of Rwanda and Congo will formalize the agreement by mid-June at the White House, alongside President Trump and regional leaders.
This draft proposal follows an April meeting in Washington, where Congo and Rwanda committed to pursuing a peace agreement under the guidance of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
