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Los Angeles Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels pledge to end decades-long war. Here's what to know
DAKAR, Senegal — The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and a quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa's longest conflicts, with thousands killed this year alone. The African Union called Saturday's signing, facilitated by Qatar, a 'major milestone' in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for 'a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict' in the Central African nation. Rwanda-backed M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in eastern Congo. With 7 million people displaced in the country, the United Nations has called the conflict 'one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.' The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighboring Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralized. At least 6 million people have been killed since then in the conflict, mostly characterized by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks. Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the world's technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the U.S. presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company that announced Friday it has signed an agreement with Congo for a 'large-scale minerals exploration program' in the east. Rwanda's interests are also tied to the minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide. A team of United Nations experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefiting from minerals 'fraudulently' exported from areas under the control of the M23 rebels. Rwanda denied this. Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo. The U.N. and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas. 'We cannot build peace without justice and reparation,' Goma resident Amani Muisa said. The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than Aug. 18. It also reflects provisions of a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27. However, the ink had barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration on whether the rebels will withdraw from seized territories. Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said Saturday on X that the declaration is 'not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations.' M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told the Associated Press in a telephone call, 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.' But Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the nonnegotiable withdrawal' of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions. Asadu writes for the Associated Press.
NBC News
20-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Congo and rebels have committed to ending war in the east. Here's what to know.
DAKAR, Senegal — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa's longest conflicts with thousands killed this year. The African Union called Saturday's signing, facilitated by Qatar, a "major milestone" in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for "a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict." But the ink has barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account "the non-negotiable withdrawal" of the rebels from seized territories, including the biggest city of Goma. The M23 rebels denied this, with a spokesman telling The Associated Press: "We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out." The declaration is supposed to lead to a final peace deal The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels, supported by neighboring Rwanda, seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. In it, both parties committed to "building trust" through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been mentioned as a key party in facilitating such release, said after the signing that it "stands ready to help." The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than Aug. 18. It also reflects provisions of a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27. Both the U.S.-facilitated and Qatar-led peace talks are aligned, and the Congolese and Rwandan presidents are soon expected in Washington to finalize negotiations for ending the conflict. The conflict dates back to the Rwandan genocide The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighboring Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralized. At least 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since then, mostly characterized by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks. Minerals hold key to the conflict Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the world's technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the U.S. presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company that on Friday announced it has signed an agreement with Congo for "large-scale minerals exploration program" in the east. Rwanda's interests are also tied to the conflict minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide. A team of U.N. experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefitting from minerals "fraudulently" exported from areas under the control of the M23. Rwanda has denied it. Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo. Justice remains a major issue The U.N. and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas.
20-07-2025
- Politics
Congo and rebels have committed to ending war in the east. Here's what to know
DAKAR, Senegal -- Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa's longest conflicts with thousands killed this year. The African Union called Saturday's signing, facilitated by Qatar, a 'major milestone' in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for 'a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict.' But the ink has barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the non-negotiable withdrawal' of the rebels from seized territories, including the biggest city of Goma. The M23 rebels denied this, with a spokesman telling The Associated Press: 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.' The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels, supported by neighboring Rwanda, seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. In it, both parties committed to 'building trust' through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been mentioned as a key party in facilitating such release, said after the signing that it 'stands ready to help." The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than Aug. 18. It also reflects provisions of a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27. Both the U.S.-facilitated and Qatar-led peace talks are aligned, and the Congolese and Rwandan presidents are soon expected in Washington to finalize negotiations for ending the conflict. The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighboring Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralized. At least 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since then, mostly characterized by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks. Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the world's technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the U.S. presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company that on Friday announced it has signed an agreement with Congo for 'large-scale minerals exploration program' in the east. Rwanda's interests are also tied to the conflict minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide. A team of U.N. experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefitting from minerals 'fraudulently' exported from areas under the control of the M23. Rwanda has denied it. Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo. The U.N. and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas.
News18
20-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Congo, rebels committed to ending war in east. Heres what to know
Dakar (Senegal), Jul 20 (AP) Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa's longest conflicts with thousands killed this year. The African Union called Saturday's signing, facilitated by Qatar, a 'major milestone" in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for 'a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict". But the ink has barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the non-negotiable withdrawal" of the rebels from seized territories, including the biggest city of Goma. The M23 rebels denied this, with a spokesman telling The Associated Press: 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out." The declaration is supposed to lead to a final peace deal The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels, supported by neighbouring Rwanda, seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. In it, both parties committed to 'building trust" through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been mentioned as a key party in facilitating such release, said after the signing that it 'stands ready to help". The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than August 18. It also reflects provisions of a US-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27. Both the US-facilitated and Qatar-led peace talks are aligned, and the Congolese and Rwandan presidents are soon expected in Washington to finalize negotiations for ending the conflict. The conflict dates back to the Rwandan genocide The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighbouring Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralised. At least 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since then, mostly characterised by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks. Minerals hold key to the conflict Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as USD 24 trillion by the US Department of Commerce. The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the world's technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the US presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a US mining company that on Friday announced it has signed an agreement with Congo for 'large-scale minerals exploration program" in the east. Rwanda's interests are also tied to the conflict minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide. A team of UN experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefitting from minerals 'fraudulently" exported from areas under the control of the M23. Rwanda has denied it. Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. UN experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo. Justice remains a major issue The UN and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas. 'We cannot build peace without justice and reparation," Goma resident Amani Muisa said. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 19:00 IST News agency-feeds Congo, rebels committed to ending war in east. Heres what to know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hill
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Congo and rebels have committed to ending war in the east. Here's what to know
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa's longest conflicts with thousands killed this year. The African Union called Saturday's signing, facilitated by Qatar, a 'major milestone' in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for 'a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict.' But the ink has barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the non-negotiable withdrawal' of the rebels from seized territories, including the biggest city of Goma. The M23 rebels denied this, with a spokesman telling The Associated Press: 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.' The declaration is supposed to lead to a final peace deal The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels, supported by neighboring Rwanda, seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. In it, both parties committed to 'building trust' through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been mentioned as a key party in facilitating such release, said after the signing that it 'stands ready to help.' The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than Aug. 18. It also reflects provisions of a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27. Both the U.S.-facilitated and Qatar-led peace talks are aligned, and the Congolese and Rwandan presidents are soon expected in Washington to finalize negotiations for ending the conflict. The conflict dates back to the Rwandan genocide The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighboring Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralized. At least 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since then, mostly characterized by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks. Minerals hold key to the conflict Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the world's technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the U.S. presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company that on Friday announced it has signed an agreement with Congo for 'large-scale minerals exploration program' in the east. Rwanda's interests are also tied to the conflict minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide. A team of U.N. experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefitting from minerals 'fraudulently' exported from areas under the control of the M23. Rwanda has denied it. Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo. Justice remains a major issue The U.N. and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas.
