Peace agreement in eastern Congo imminent? And how credible is it?
Apr 30 2025
3 minutes
The situation in Eastern Congo is extremely tense again. The rebel movement M23 is conquering more and more territory, Rwanda and other neighboring countries are playing a dubious role, and millions of Congolese are fleeing. Meanwhile, foreign powers such as the United States are increasingly interfering in the conflict, mainly due to economic interests surrounding the wealth of raw materials. 11.11.11-Congo expert Eva Demaré explains.
Why is there fighting again in eastern Congo?
At the end of January, the city of Goma in eastern Congo fell into the hands of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, and later Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu. This region is full of valuable raw materials such as coltan, gold and cobalt. The Congolese government is losing ground, hundreds of thousands of people are on the run. Rwanda says it wants to protect its security and the Congolese Tutsi minority, but recent UN reports report large-scale smuggling of raw materials from Congo to Rwanda. The battle is therefore not just about security or politics, but mainly about control over these riches.
What is really at stake in Congo?
The wealth makes the country both vulnerable and desirable. While diplomats talk fine words about peace and cooperation, behind the scenes it is mainly about the theft of raw materials and geopolitical rivalry between the US, China and Europe. As long as foreign powers and Congolese elites put their own interests first, and not those of the population, real peace remains far away.
Is there any prospect of peace?
Diplomatic talks began last month, led by Qatar and the United States. In Doha, Congo and M23 signed a declaration of intent, followed by an agreement between Congolese and Rwandan ministers in Washington to have a preliminary peace agreement ready by May 2. There is talk of a ceasefire and of course this is a hopeful ray of hope. But many observers are sceptical: it is less about humanitarian motives, and mainly about economic interests. The US in particular is pushing for an agreement, because it wants to give American companies new opportunities in Congolese mining, at the expense of China. Behind Qatar's mediation are also major investments in agriculture and infrastructure.
What role does the United States play?
The US, under President Trump, sees Congo primarily as a strategic raw material tap. Behind the scenes, US diplomats have been exerting considerable pressure to force peace. This is because US companies want to win contracts to mine cobalt, copper and coltan. There is even a deal in the works whereby US private companies would "secure" the raw material areas. This could mean even more dubious influence in the region.
What's next?
The M23 rebels still control Goma and Bukavu. They have set up a parallel administration that undermines the authority of the government in Kinshasa. The population is largely cut off from the outside world and crossing the border is difficult and dangerous. Banks remain closed and there is a dire shortage of basic commodities such as food and medicine. Civil rights and freedoms are severely curtailed. There are no official prisons and so-called justice is administered on the streets, creating a climate of fear.
However, some organisations remain active on the ground, such as Caritas and Doctors Without Borders. They are urging the immediate reopening of Goma airport, to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the population more easily. Congolese civil society and the church also continue to work for a sustainable peace dialogue, including through initiatives such as “Le Pacte Social”.
A peace deal will not be possible without the involvement of all Congolese parties. There must be room for a real Congolese voice. Sustainable solutions cannot be imposed from outside, nor imposed by political or military elites. Only when the population is heard and involved can hope grow for a future without violence.
