Is the Signing of the Peace Deal Between DR Congo and Rwanda a New Dawn?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The peace agreement marks a critical step towards restoring trust between the DRC and Rwanda.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments made by all parties.
- The accord was hailed as historic by the White House, aiming to resolve a long-standing conflict.
- Leaders from multiple nations attended the signing, showcasing regional support for the agreement.
- Tshisekedi described the deal as a turning point for humanitarian efforts in the region.
The United Nations, on December 6, has received a warm welcome from its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concerning the formalization of a peace and prosperity agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, as reported by his spokesperson.
The UN leader underscored that this agreement marks a vital milestone in rebuilding trust between the DRC and Rwanda and in furthering initiatives for sustainable peace in eastern DRC, as stated by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Dujarric highlighted the Secretary-General's appreciation for the considerable advancements made through both the Doha and African Union-led processes, urging all involved parties to fulfill their commitments, according to reports from Xinhua.
"The Secretary-General reiterates that the United Nations, including the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), is prepared to support all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the DRC and the surrounding region," he remarked.
On Thursday, the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda officially signed a peace agreement in Washington, intended to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in eastern DRC.
Endorsed by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the accord has been celebrated by the White House as a "historic" resolution aimed at addressing "one of the most severe conflicts on Earth."
Initially signed on June 27 by the respective foreign ministers, this agreement was reaffirmed following numerous bilateral and trilateral meetings involving the Congolese, Rwandan, and US presidents.
At the signing ceremony, Kagame remarked, "This conflict and the efforts to resolve it have spanned 30 years, yet no initiative has effectively addressed the fundamental issues," while standing alongside several African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Angolan President Joao Lourenco, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe.
Tshisekedi expressed that this agreement is "not merely another document" but represents "a genuine turning point" in the quest to resolve years of armed conflict and humanitarian crises in the ravaged region.