WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have formally submitted draft peace proposals as part of a U.S.-led initiative aimed at ending years of deadly conflict in eastern Congo, a region plagued by rebel insurgencies and regional rivalries.
Massad Boulos, senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Africa and the Middle East, confirmed receipt of the proposals on Sunday, hailing the submissions as “an important step” toward achieving a long-awaited peace deal. The move follows a landmark agreement reached in April in Washington, where the foreign ministers of both countries pledged to work toward a peace accord by May 2.
Despite the milestone, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe noted that the draft proposals remain separate and are yet to be harmonized into a single, unified framework. Talks are ongoing to bridge differences, with the U.S. playing a central mediating role.
At the heart of the peace process lies the region’s vast mineral wealth—particularly cobalt, lithium, gold, and copper. Washington is backing a dual-track approach that links the peace deal with bilateral economic agreements involving American and Western companies. These deals would channel billions of dollars into Congolese infrastructure and mining, with Rwanda serving as a hub for mineral processing.
Sources close to the negotiation say the peace accord and investment agreements could be finalized within two months, with a formal signing ceremony anticipated, potentially attended by President Trump himself.
However, violence continues to threaten the region’s fragile prospects for peace. The M23 rebel group—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali denies—has escalated its offensives in eastern Congo, displacing tens of thousands and raising international alarm. Meanwhile, the Congolese army is also accused of backing militias hostile to Rwandan interests.
In a parallel process, Qatar is facilitating direct talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. While both sides have shown willingness to negotiate, progress has been slow and marred by mistrust.
To oversee the peace implementation, a multinational oversight body has been established, including representatives from the U.S., Qatar, France, and Togo. The group is tasked with monitoring troop withdrawals, cessation of external support for armed groups, and security assurances for both countries.
As diplomatic channels intensify, analysts caution that the road to peace remains uncertain. “This is a breakthrough moment, but a fragile one,” one Western diplomat said. “Success will depend on political will, accountability, and a shared commitment to end the cycle of violence.”
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