US EditionCongo, Rwanda will not sign economic deal this week in setback for peace process
The pact stalls as Congo demands 90% withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo, delaying Trump-backed efforts to boost peace and regional investment, diplomats said.
- On Friday, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda did not sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework after final Washington negotiations, delaying President Donald Trump's peace and investment efforts.
- Under the Washington-mediated peace deal, Congo refused to sign until 90% of Rwandan troops withdrew from eastern Congo, a source said.
- Rwanda-Backed M23 seized two major cities in January and February, while analysts and diplomats say Rwanda sent at least 7,000 soldiers, and REIF negotiating teams finalized the text but Kinshasa declined to initial it.
- The U.S. is trying to get talks back on track, but initialing was not expected on Friday, while Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, had hoped heads of state would sign by October 23.
- Reuters reported last month that Rwanda and Congo would begin implementing security measures on October 1 despite the 90-day timetable having lapsed.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Trump-Touted Rwanda-Congo Economic Pact Trips on Elusive Peace
A key element of the Trump administration’s peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has hit a hurdle after officials failed to agree on an economic pact because hostilities continue, according to people familiar with the matter.
Congo, Rwanda will not sign economic deal this week in setback for peace process
Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will not sign an economic framework this week as expected, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday, in another stumbling block for the Trump administration's efforts to implement a peace deal and spur Western investment in the region.
Nduhungirehe on why Rwanda, DR Congo economic agreement wasn't signed
Foreign affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has commended the efforts of the Rwandan and DR Congo delegations working on the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), but explained why the two sides failed to sign the agreement at the last minute despite earlier expectations. The REIF is a component of the US-mediated process aimed at restoring good relations and strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The econo…
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