In a recent turn of events, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have hit a snag in their peace process. The two countries were supposed to sign an economic agreement this week, but that didn't happen. Why? Because Congo has some conditions.

Rwanda has been accused of backing rebels who have taken over two big cities in eastern Congo. This has caused a lot of tension. The U. S. has been trying to help, but it's not smooth sailing. President Trump wants to bring peace and attract investment to the region, which is rich in valuable minerals. But the fighting continues, and both sides are blaming each other for breaking agreements.

The economic deal, called the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), was ready to be signed. But Congo said no, not until Rwanda pulls out most of its troops from eastern Congo. This is part of a bigger peace deal signed in June. A Rwandan official said they were disappointed but still hopeful. They believe in the agreement and want the peace process to succeed.

The U. S. is trying to get things back on track. But it's not easy. Congo has been clear: no signing until Rwandan troops leave. This isn't a surprise to everyone. An African diplomat said Congo has always been upfront about this condition.

Back in June, the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington. It included a promise that Rwanda would remove its defensive measures in eastern Congo within 90 days. Congo is also supposed to finish its military operations against a group called FDLR within the same timeframe. The FDLR includes remnants of Rwanda's former army and militias involved in the 1994 genocide.

So, what's next? It's unclear. But one thing is sure: the path to peace is never straightforward.

A Hiccup in Congo and Rwanda's Peace Deal

A significant step towards peace has been taken by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A draft peace agreement has been reached between the two countries. This is a big deal because the conflict in eastern DR Congo has been going on for decades. The latest surge in violence started when the M23 rebel group took control of large areas. The M23 has been accused of seizing key cities and setting up their own government in the regions they control.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23, but they deny this. They say their military presence is to protect themselves from threats, especially from the FDLR, a rebel group made up mostly of ethnic Hutus. The FDLR is linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Congolese government denies supporting the FDLR, but Rwanda accuses them of doing so.

The draft agreement, mediated by the US and Qatar, includes plans for disarming and integrating armed groups. It also sets up a joint security mechanism to prevent future conflicts. The deal is expected to be formally signed soon, with the US Secretary of State attending the ceremony. This agreement builds on a previous one signed in April, where both countries promised to respect each other's sovereignty.

The peace deal could open up the mineral-rich region to billions of dollars in Western investment. Eastern DR Congo is rich in coltan and other resources that are crucial for global electronics. However, there are still many unanswered questions about the details of the peace deal.

For instance, will the M23 withdraw from the areas they have taken? Does "respect for territorial integrity" mean Rwanda will withdraw its troops from eastern DR Congo? Will the agreement allow thousands of Congolese refugees to return from Rwanda? Who will disarm the FDLR, given that previous attempts have failed? Will humanitarian access be improved, allowing for the reopening of the Goma airport for aid supply?

The conflict has been devastating, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes. The government in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, turned to the US for help after losing territory. They reportedly offered access to critical minerals in exchange for assistance.

Peace deals between these two countries have failed in the past. Last year, experts from both countries agreed on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the FDLR. However, ministers from both sides did not endorse the deal, and Angola, who was mediating, stepped down.

The road to peace is long and complex, but this draft agreement is a crucial step forward. It shows that both countries are willing to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution. However, the success of this agreement will depend on how well the details are worked out and implemented. It is also important to consider the broader context of the conflict, including the role of external actors and the economic interests at stake.