The signing of a peace agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington has caused mixed reactions, with former Congojan president Joseph Kabila describing it as “nothing more of a trade agreement.”
The deal signed on Friday It required the “separation, disarmament and conditional integration” of armed groups that fight in the Eastern Congo, but offered several other details.
While some, including Kabila, are critical, others welcomed the agreement as a turning point in a detrimental conflict that has been dragged for decades.
Rwanda denied allegations that he supported an armed group known as the M23, which was fighting in the Eastern Congo.
The conflict escalated this year, when the M23 rebels occupy control of large parts of the Eastern Congo, including the regional capital, Goma, Bukavu and two airports.
Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians, forced by their homes after the recent offensive of the rebels.
Following the loss of the territory, the Government of D -C Congo has addressed the United States for help, reporting that it offers access to critical minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Eastern Congo is rich in Coltan and other resources vital to the global electronics industry.
In a post of X after the signing of the agreement on Friday, Kabila called into question the choice of participants in the transaction, saying that D -Cong is not at war with countries depicted in a photo of the signing, including President Donald Trump and other US officials, as well as the Foreign Minister of Rwanda.
It is not quite clear whether his comments were indirect criticism of the absence of M23 representatives in Washington.
“We have to stop distorting the facts to cover up a propaganda agenda,” Kabila said, adding “Congoan people deserve the truth, not a diplomatic show.”
The absence of M23 representatives was also noted in the Goma rebels in East Congo.
“How can they say that they sign for peace, but still did not participate M23?” Asked a resident, adding that the rebels must be included in the negotiations in order to find a “collective peace”.
Another resident, a motorcyclist of motorcyclists, told the BBC “People are tired, they are not interested in conversations,” insisting “all they want is peace.”
He claims that previous peace negotiations and agreements have not been approved or applied by the controversial parties, leaving little hope for a return to normality.
Similarly, Sam Zarifi, CEO of Human Rights (PhR) doctors, an international non -governmental organization that has been working at the DRC for more than a decade, said the Washington Agreement was filled with “big gaps”.
“There can be no lasting peace without meaningful justice. But the agreement … tilts human rights and fails the survivors,” said Zarifi.
He added: “The agreement neglects how hostilities can continue through proxy armed groups that our research has shown are responsible for serious violations.”
Stephanie Marungu, Head of the Humanitarian Organization in Goma, was more positive.
“Signing the deal … is a significant and encouraging development for the Eastern region,” she told the BBC, adding that this can “lead to increased stability and will make it easier for us to deliver help and access to the needy.” However, she admits that there may be challenges in applying the deal.
“If the agreement is what will bring peace, we have no problems,” said another resident of Goma.
It remains to be seen what the situation will continue on the spot, with fears that the deal in Washington can simply enrich several people with the country's mineral resources to the detriment of ordinary people.