Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace deal facilitated by the U.S. to help end the decades-long deadly conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement helps the U.S. government and American companies gain access to critical minerals in the region.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Rwanda-DRC Conflict and Peace Deal.
Background of the Conflict
- Rwanda has two major ethnic groups: Hutu (majority) and Tutsi (minority, traditionally elite class).
- Under Belgian colonial rule, the Tutsis were favored, creating deep resentment among Hutus. This set the stage for ethnic strife, culminating in the 1994 genocide.
1994 Genocide
- In 1994, after the assassination of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana (a Hutu), radical Hutu militias launched a mass slaughter. Over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in 100 days.
Spillover into the DRC
- Following the genocide, Hutu perpetrators and civilians fled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Among them were members of the Interahamwe, a brutal paramilitary force responsible for much of the genocide.
- These elements later reorganised into an armed group known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Based in eastern DRC, the FDLR has continued to carry out cross-border attacks against Rwanda, seeking to destabilise the Tutsi-led government in Rwanda.
- Rwanda considers the FDLR a serious national security threat. It has conducted multiple cross-border military operations inside Congolese territory, often justifying them as pre-emptive self-defence.
- Rwanda is frequently accused of violating Congolese sovereignty and of arming proxy rebel groups like M23 to counter the FDLR and maintain influence over eastern DRC, especially due to its mineral wealth.
Key Provisions of the Rwanda-DRC Peace Agreement:
- Signed in Washington D.C. under the mediation of the United States.
- The peace deal aims to restore stability in eastern DRC and prevent further cross-border conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Both Rwanda and the DRC agreed to immediately cease all hostilities and armed operations against each other.
- Both sides pledged to withdraw any direct or indirect support to armed militias operating in eastern DRC, including M23 and FDLR.
- The deal emphasises the use of diplomatic dialogue and regional cooperation to resolve future disputes. The agreement reaffirmed respect for national borders, stressing the importance of non-intervention in internal affairs.
Why did the US mediate the Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal?
- Eastern DRC is rich in minerals like cobalt, coltan, lithium, and rare earth elements essential for Electric vehicles (EVs), Semiconductors, and Renewable energy technologies.
- Peace in eastern DRC opens the door for the US companies to invest in mining and infrastructure.
- By stabilising the region, the US creates an opportunity to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains for these minerals.
The mediation reflects the US’s intent to project soft power and reclaim its image as a global peace broker.