Overview
- The package formalizes security commitments including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, refugee returns, and accountability measures.
- Parallel economic pacts and a minerals agreement open the DRC’s critical resources to cooperation with the United States and encourage regional integration.
- Fighting between Congo’s army and M23 was reported across South Kivu during the ceremony, with additional violence cited in North Kivu.
- M23 did not attend the Washington signing and is engaged in separate Qatar-mediated talks, leaving a key armed actor outside the accord.
- Rights advocates and analysts cautioned that without verified withdrawals, a deal with M23, and credible monitoring, little will change on the ground; Rwanda denies backing M23 and links any pullback to action against the FDLR.