Rwanda–DR Congo Peace Agreement
Context : Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a peace agreement in Washington to end ongoing conflict that has killed thousands. The U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a milestone, boasting that it would also help the U.S. secure mineral rights from Congo.
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Purpose: To end fighting in eastern DRC, primarily involving the M23 rebel group (linked to Rwanda) and FDLR (Hutu militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide).
📍 Location
Goma
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Location: Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on the border with Rwanda, near Lake Kivu.
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Significance:
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Capital of North Kivu province.
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A strategic and mineral-rich city.
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Has frequently been at the center of conflict due to its proximity to rebel-controlled zones and Rwanda.
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In 2022–23, M23 rebels captured key areas near Goma, threatening regional stability.
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👥 Groups
M23 (March 23 Movement)
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Type: Armed rebel group.
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Ethnic Base: Primarily Tutsi (an ethnic group also present in Rwanda and Uganda).
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Origin: Emerged in 2012 as a breakaway faction from the Congolese army, claiming the DRC government failed to implement a peace deal signed on March 23, 2009—hence the name.
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Support Allegations:
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Allegedly backed by Rwanda and Uganda, though both deny it.
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Accused of committing human rights violations.
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Goal: Initially claimed to fight for Tutsi rights in the DRC, but later expanded into a powerful militia seeking political and territorial control.
Ethnic Background: Tutsis
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Region: Primarily found in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DRC.
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Historical Context:
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Tutsis were victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists.
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Some Tutsi groups, especially refugees in DRC, have remained vulnerable to Hutu militant groups like the FDLR.
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