DR Congo-Rwanda peace deal met with scepticism in rebel-held city
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A Washington-brokered peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda has been met with hope, frustration, and mistrust in conflict-hit eastern regions.
DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal Faces Scepticism in Rebel-Held Goma
Kabila Calls It a “Trade Agreement,” Residents Voice Doubt
A newly signed peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, brokered in Washington, has sparked a range of reactions—from hope to deep scepticism.
The deal, signed on Friday, aims for the “disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration” of armed groups in eastern DR Congo, but offers few concrete details, leaving many questioning its credibility.
Kabila: “A Diplomatic Show”
Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila dismissed the agreement as “nothing more than a trade agreement,” hinting that the US-brokered deal prioritizes access to critical minerals like coltan over lasting peace.
In a post on X, Kabila criticized the optics of the signing, questioning why the photo featured President Donald Trump, Rwandan officials, and no Congolese armed group representatives.
“We must stop distorting the facts to disguise a propaganda agenda… Congolese people deserve the truth, not a diplomatic show,” Kabila stated.
No Seat for M23 at the Table
Criticism has also emerged from Goma, the largest city now under M23 rebel control. Locals say the exclusion of M23 representatives undermines the deal’s legitimacy.
“How can they say they sign for peace, yet they have not involved M23?” a Goma resident asked.
Others in the city—wearied by years of war, displacement, and broken agreements—expressed outright exhaustion with peace talk theatrics.
“People are tired. They are not interested in talks,” said a motorbike taxi rider. “All they want is peace.”
Minerals, Not Militants?
Eastern DR Congo holds vast deposits of strategic minerals vital to global tech industries. As part of the deal, DR Congo reportedly offered mining access to the US in exchange for security guarantees. This has led to fears the deal is more about commerce than conflict resolution.
Critics warn that previous peace agreements have collapsed due to a lack of inclusive dialogue and failure to address the root causes of the conflict—such as poverty, ethnic tensions, and economic inequality.
Human Rights Advocates Raise Red Flags
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Executive Director Sam Zarifi voiced strong concerns about the deal’s omissions.
“There can be no durable peace without meaningful justice,” Zarifi said. “The agreement sidelines human rights and fails survivors.”
PHR and other organizations note that proxy militias, often backed by regional powers, have committed grave human rights abuses—but were not addressed in the Washington agreement.
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A Ray of Hope for Humanitarians
Not everyone is dismissive. Stephanie Marungu, who leads a humanitarian NGO in Goma, called the signing a “momentous and hopeful development” that may open access to vulnerable communities.
“If the agreement is what will bring peace, we have no problems,” said another Goma resident. “We just want to go back to normal life.”
Still, even Marungu admitted that successful implementation will be the real test.
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