In a landmark development, officials from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have struck a deal that would lead to a ‘definitive’ end to the conflict which has lasted for decades.
The officials will officially sign the agreement next week Friday in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
It comes after three days of talks brokered in Washington by the United States and Qatar, according to the US State Department in a statement seen by APA on Thursday.
The statement said the talks have been constructive and were centered around aligning the interests of conflict-ravaged DRC and its neighbour Rwanda.
The deal consists of disengagement, disarmament and integrating armed militias active in the east of the DRC but observers say its success or otherwise will depend on mutual goodwill from both sides.
According to the terms of the peace deal, Rwanda and DRC would be part of a joint mechanism which would monitor the troubled region with a view to preventing a return to conflict.
Tens of thousands have been killed and over three million people displaced since the unrest escalated in eastern DRC last year. DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of aiding and abetting M23 rebels who had occupied Goma, Bukavu and other major cities in the region.
Kigali had denied the allegation of backing the M23, and claimed its troops were in eastern DRC to check the possible invasion of Rwanda by the mainly Hutu dominated FDLR rebels whose stated goal is to overthrow Paul Kagame.
The rebels are accused of playing a leading role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
In previous talks held earlier this year, Kigali and Kinshasa had accused each other of acting in bad faith to end the hostilities.
A prelude to this latest deal took place in April when Kinshasa and Kigali signed an accord in the US capital to recognise and respect the territorial inviolability and sovereignty of the other.
Several attempts by Angola to mediate an end to the crisis failed, leading to the country giving up its role as mediator last March.
Angola has been mediating the withdrawal of Rwandan troops.
WN/as/APA