Description: The presidents of Rwanda and the DRC, Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi have traded accusations of ceasefire violations and claimed that the peace deal which is expected to be signed in Washington later this month is contingent on strong commitments on both sides. Kagame accused Tshisekedi of constantly changing the narrative and adding more conditions to the peace agreement further complicating things and disrupting the implementation of the US – brokered peace plan. Tshisekedi on the other hand stated that his counterpart and the Rwandan government are still refusing to withdraw their support for the M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers are still present in the eastern parts of the DRC. Both presidents are expected to meet on 04 Dec in Washington to conclude the peace agreement and formally adopt the provisions of the US peace plan.
Impact: The exchange of public statements represents a diplomatic sabre – rattling before the official ceremony which is complemented by political posturing from both sides. DRC aims to remain territorially cohesive and expel all rebel forces from its eastern parts where Rwanda has vested interests in controlling key resource rich areas. Both countries are aiming to position themselves favorably before the conclusion of the peace agreement which is expected to draw economic provisions as the US has pledged to invest in a cooperative alliance with both countries in the extraction of rare earth minerals. The countries are expected to conclude the peace agreement, which since its inception relies on fragile mechanisms for maintaining the obligations in the long – term. The conflict is expected to continue in its current form or as a long – term proxy war under the risk of constant escalation since there are no concrete peace enforcement mechanisms established to ensure that both Rwanda and the DRC are upholding their commitments per the peace agreement.