Recent developments in 2025 have marked yet fragile attempts to resolve the long-standing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Two key agreements—one brokered by the United States in Washington DC and another mediated by Qatar in Doha—have aimed to halt violence and promote peace. Despite these efforts, hostilities continue, exposing the complexity of the conflict and the challenges of enforcing peace.
US-Brokered Peace Agreement
On 27 June 2025, the DRC and Rwanda signed a peace accord in Washington DC, facilitated by the United States. The agreement committed both countries to cease hostilities, respect territorial integrity, and end support for armed groups, including the rebel group M23. It established a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to oversee conflict resolution and an Economic Integration Framework to promote legal mineral trade and cooperation. Rwanda’s agreement came under international pressure due to accusations of supporting M23 rebels. The deal also aimed to disarm and integrate armed groups into the Congolese security forces.
Doha Ceasefire Deal with M23 Rebels
On 19 July 2025, the Congolese government and M23 rebels signed a ceasefire in Doha, Qatar. The Declaration of Principles called for an immediate halt to fighting, withdrawal of M23 forces from seized territories, and release of prisoners by the DRC. This direct dialogue with the armed group was a rare step towards addressing rebel grievances. The ceasefire was intended as a precursor to a comprehensive peace agreement by mid-August.
Challenges to Peace and Ceasefire Violations
Despite agreements, M23 resumed attacks in North and South Kivu provinces shortly after the Doha ceasefire. Human Rights Watch reported over 140 deaths in July alone due to M23 offensives. Both sides failed to comply fully with the terms – M23 did not withdraw from occupied areas, and the DRC delayed prisoner releases. These violations show the fragile nature of peace efforts and the difficulty in enforcing commitments amid deep mistrust.
Geopolitical and Economic Interests
The US involvement in the peace process is driven by strategic and economic interests. The DRC holds mineral reserves valued at $24 trillion, including 70% of the world’s cobalt, vital for global technology industries. US entry aims to reduce China’s dominance in the DRC’s mineral sector and secure access to critical resources. Rwanda’s compliance with the peace deal was influenced by international pressure and the desire to normalise relations with the DRC and the West.
Historical Roots and Future Prospects
The conflict in eastern DRC traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, subsequent Congo wars, and persistent ethnic tensions involving numerous armed groups. Past peace efforts have repeatedly failed due to unresolved grievances and lack of trust. The current agreements represent progress but do not address the root causes of violence. A sustainable peace requires a comprehensive and inclusive process involving all stakeholders and long-term commitment.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of foreign powers in conflict resolution and resource diplomacy in African regions, with reference to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Examine the impact of ethnic conflicts on regional stability in Central Africa and analyse the challenges in peacebuilding efforts.
- Estimate the strategic importance of critical minerals like cobalt in global geopolitics and their influence on international relations.
- Point out the limitations of ceasefire agreements in protracted conflicts and discuss measures to enhance compliance and trust among warring parties.
