By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA)— The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed a US-mediated peace agreement on Friday, aiming to end the deadly fighting in eastern Congo.
"We're grateful that both of you were here, and it's instrumental. This is an important moment after 30 years of war," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the signing ceremony.
The agreement includes commitments to respect territorial integrity, cease hostilities, disengage and disarm non-state armed groups, establish a joint security coordination mechanism, and facilitate the return of refugees, humanitarian access, and regional economic cooperation.
According to various reports, the deal also paves the way for the US and American companies to gain access to the region's minerals as an incentive for helping to end the war.
Rubio, during the signing ceremony, expressed excitement over the deal and said: "We can't wait to have the heads of state and the presence of the respective countries here in Washington in a few weeks to finalize the complete protocol and agreement."
"But today is an important step in that direction," he added.
He further noted that "it is not just about ending wars, and it's not just about saving lives. It's about allowing people to live."
M23 rebels at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo have seized significant territory since December, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu, intensifying instability in a region long plagued by armed groups.
The Congolese government accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels fighting in eastern Congo, a claim Kigali denies.
The UN reports that the conflict has displaced more than 7.8 million people.