By IP Team
KINSHASA, Congo (IP)
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s president has hailed a landmark peace deal with Rwanda as the start of a “new era” in relations after years of deadly conflict in eastern Congo.
Signed late Monday in the presence of international mediators, the agreement commits both countries to respect each other’s territorial integrity and to halt support for armed groups near their volatile shared border.
“This agreement offers our people hope that the violence and insecurity that have scarred eastern Congo for decades can finally give way to stability,” President Félix Tshisekedi said in a statement. “We are determined to open a new chapter based on mutual respect.”
The pact includes broad economic provisions to rebuild trust and boost cross-border trade.
Both governments plan joint infrastructure projects and measures to ease customs restrictions, though few details were given about implementation or funding.
The deal follows months of rising tensions over allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group, which has seized large areas of North Kivu province.
Kigali denies involvement, but the fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and raised fears of a wider regional war.
Under the framework, both sides pledged to avoid military actions that could derail the peace process and to collaborate on disarming and reintegrating armed groups.
“The challenge has always been implementation,” said Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese political analyst.
“On paper, these agreements look promising, but without credible monitoring, there is a real risk that hostilities could resume.”
Regional leaders and the United States, which helped mediate the talks, welcomed the accord as a key chance to end the violence that has long destabilized the Great Lakes region.
Rwandan officials called the agreement a step toward restoring diplomatic and economic ties, noting that both countries stand to benefit from peace.
“We believe this agreement reflects our shared interest in ending hostilities and unlocking the potential of our peoples,” Rwanda’s foreign minister said at the signing.
Despite the optimism, human rights groups urged caution, citing the long history of failed agreements and recurring violence.
The United Nations estimates more than 6 million people remain displaced within Congo, many in areas affected by M23 and other armed groups.
As the peace process begins, humanitarian organizations are calling for clear protections for civilians and unrestricted access to aid.
Tshisekedi said his government will work with international partners to secure lasting peace but warned that true progress depends on action.
“We are aware that trust is built through actions, not words,” he said. “But today, we have an opportunity to finally turn the page.”
Ends.
