DRC and Rwanda submit draft peace proposal to U.S

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Eastern Congo. 

On Monday, Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, announced that the initial drafts had been received.

“I welcome the draft peace proposal from both the DRC and Rwanda. This is an important step toward fulfilling the commitments made in the Declaration of Principles, and I look forward to their ongoing efforts to achieve peace,” stated Boulos on X.

This development follows the signing of a Declaration of Principles by the two countries in Washington, D.C., last month, marking a significant step toward restoring peace in the war-torn DRC.

 Both nations agreed to produce a comprehensive peace agreement by May 2.

The declaration was signed by DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during a ceremony attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

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The agreement commits both parties to mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and an end to support for armed groups.

The initiative to stop hostilities comes in the wake of advances by the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, resulting in thousands of deaths and many people displaced.

Efforts to mediate peace in the DRC have become increasingly complicated due to various failed initiatives by different actors.

In response, the East African Community (EAC) has been pursuing the Nairobi Process since 2022, facilitating dialogue between Kinshasa and armed groups.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has also intensified its involvement, expressing concern regarding regional stability. 

In late March, the EAC and SADC agreed to coordinate their efforts, expanding the mediation panel to include five prominent African leaders, among them former presidents from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the Central African Republic.