US Pushes Rwanda to Exit DRC as Peace Deal Takes Shape

The United States is pushing Rwanda to withdraw its troops and military assets from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a key condition for a peace agreement aimed at ending the long-running conflict in the mineral-rich country. This marks a significant step given that the April accord between Rwanda and the DRC, orchestrated by the US, did not include troop withdrawal demands. The US request aligns with Washington’s broader strategy of stabilizing eastern DRC to unlock critical mineral investments and curb China’s influence in the continent’s resource sectors. However, the success of the US strategy, which aims to both aid development and bring lasting peace to the region, hinges on Rwanda’s willingness to compromise, particularly as Kigali has long maintained that its operations in the area are a matter of national security.

Business Insider Africa