Historic Peace Accord Looms for Eastern Congo

Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi is set to sign a peace agreement with Rwanda, contingent on Rwanda's withdrawal of M23 rebel support. This diplomatic milestone follows months of U.S.-led efforts. Eastern Congo remains volatile, with the conflict exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.

Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi is poised to visit the United States next week, where he will sign a pivotal peace agreement with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The deal, facilitated by efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump, seeks to bring peace to conflict-stricken eastern Congo.

The agreement hinges on Rwanda's withdrawal of support for the M23 rebels, a condition emphasized by Tshisekedi's spokesperson, Tina Salama. Salama highlighted that the agreement requires no integration of M23 fighters, building on terms established in a prior pact between the two nations' foreign ministers in June.

Despite Rwanda's denial of backing the rebels, UN experts report the presence of thousands of Rwandan forces in eastern Congo. The persistent conflict, characterized by various armed groups and humanitarian challenges, underscores the necessity of this peace initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)