Tensions continue to rise in Central Africa as the United States pushes for a major diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington is now conditioning a peace deal on a complete withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory—an ultimatum likely to trigger pushback from Kigali.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the U.S. is spearheading efforts to broker a peace agreement aimed at ending years of violence in eastern Congo, an area plagued by armed conflict and prized for its vast mineral wealth, including gold, cobalt, and lithium. The Trump administration is reportedly eyeing a resolution within two months, seeking stability in a region of strategic interest.
At the center of these talks is a confidential draft agreement obtained by SNEWS TV and verified by diplomatic insiders. The document, crafted by U.S. officials, demands that Rwanda pull out its troops, weapons, and military equipment from Congo as a non-negotiable condition before any peace accord is signed.
This draft follows a declaration signed earlier in Washington by the foreign ministers of both countries, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That earlier statement called for mutual respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity. But this new proposal takes negotiations several steps further.
Military analysts and diplomatic sources say Rwanda has deployed between 7,000 and 12,000 troops into eastern Congo in support of the M23 rebel group, which recently captured key regional cities in a swift offensive. Kigali, however, denies supporting the rebels, insisting its military presence is defensive—aimed at neutralizing Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
As of last week, Rwanda had yet to respond formally to the U.S.-drafted proposal. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that representatives from both sides would meet in Washington this week to review the terms.
Meanwhile, a senior official in President Félix Tshisekedi’s office expressed frustration with the slow pace of Rwandan engagement, declaring that Congo would not move forward with the deal unless Rwandan troops fully withdraw. “There will be no compromise,” the official told SNEWS TV.
The draft also proposes the creation of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism—potentially involving Rwandan and international observers—to address ongoing security threats in the region, including the controversial presence of Rwandan Hutu militias.
Notably, the deal would also require Congo to accept M23’s participation in a national dialogue alongside other non-state armed groups. That’s a tough pill to swallow for Kinshasa, which labels M23 a terrorist proxy backed by Rwanda. Despite separate direct talks between Congo and the rebel group, progress has reportedly stalled.
Qatar has stepped in to host parallel negotiations and presented its own version of the peace plan. However, rebel representatives told SNEWS TV that little movement has been made toward a concrete agreement, especially on M23’s territorial withdrawal.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, all eyes are now on Kigali and Kinshasa—and whether this U.S.-driven push can bring lasting peace to one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they unfold.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
