The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed an ambitious Declaration of Principles in Washington DC, USA which is intended to lay the foundation for potential and future lasting peace agreement between the two countries, long at odds in the regional arena.
This initiative comes amid heightened tensions in eastern DRC, where the Congolese government has continuously accused Rwanda of supporting the fierce AFC/M23 rebels, an allegation consistently denied by the latter.
Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the Congolese government with counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe representing Rwanda in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The declaration is structured around six major commitments which include:
- Mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity,
- Taking security concerns into account,
- Promotion of regional economic integration,
- Facilitating the return of displaced persons,
- Support for MONUSCO,
- Drafting a peace agreement.
The US, which facilitated agreement, says it wants to support the process and strengthen its partnerships with both countries.
“These are serious commitments on both sides,” Marco Rubio said while also emphasizing that the US wants to “promote win-win outcomes for all.”
