U.S. Confirms Congo and Rwanda Have Submitted Draft Peace Proposal Amid Escalating Tensions
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have jointly submitted a draft peace proposal aimed at de-escalating tensions along their shared border. The move follows months of conflict in eastern Congo, where violent clashes between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group have triggered regional instability and international concern.
U.S. State Department officials confirmed that both nations have taken “an important initial step” toward resolving their long-standing disputes through dialogue and mutual negotiation. Though the content of the draft agreement has not been made public, it reportedly outlines frameworks for ceasefire enforcement, regional cooperation, and the withdrawal of foreign-backed militias from eastern Congo.
The conflict has strained diplomatic ties between the two countries, with Kinshasa repeatedly accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels — a charge Rwandan officials continue to deny. The M23 insurgency, which re-emerged in 2021, has displaced over one million people and led to widespread humanitarian crises in North Kivu province.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department praised the effort as a “positive and constructive step” while urging both sides to commit to continued dialogue. “We welcome the submission of the draft peace proposal by the DRC and Rwanda, and we remain ready to support efforts that bring lasting peace and security to the region,” the statement read.
The announcement comes amid broader regional and international mediation efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, which have seen mixed results. The African Union, United Nations, and regional blocs such as the East African Community have also expressed support for diplomatic pathways to end the violence.
Human rights organizations, meanwhile, stress that any peace deal must prioritize the protection of civilians, ensure accountability for atrocities committed by all parties, and address the root causes of the conflict — including ethnic tensions, land disputes, and the exploitation of mineral resources.
Analysts say the draft peace proposal, while still in its early stages, represents a crucial opportunity for both nations to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate and prevent further escalation in a region already plagued by instability.
As diplomatic talks continue, stakeholders from across the globe are watching closely, hopeful that this initiative could lead to a formal agreement and, ultimately, long-term peace in the Great Lakes region.
Source : Swifteradio.com
