Africa watch: Can DRC and Rwanda finally kiss and make up?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are expected to sign a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington on Friday, 27 June, aiming to bring an end to years of violent conflict in eastern Congo.
The deal includes commitments to disarm armed groups, facilitate the return of refugees, and allow for the conditional integration of non-state fighters.
It also affirms respect for territorial integrity and the cessation of hostilities.
While the US has been leading diplomatic efforts, South Africa has played a quiet but significant role on the ground.
Through the SANDF's deployment as part of the SADC regional mission, South African troops have helped protect civilians and secure areas destabilised by the M23 rebel group.
Soldiers from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa arrived in eastern Congo last December and joined a volatile frontline.
Operating under SADC's regional mission, they were there to help the DRC government contain a crisis that was spinning out of control.
The M23 rebellion had already surged across the Kivus and taken Goma and Bukavu.
This comes amid accusations from Kinshasa that Rwanda is backing M23 rebels, claims Rwanda has denied.
UN experts say as many as 4 000 Rwandan troops have supported rebel advances in recent months, including the seizure of Goma and Bukavu.
The US has framed the deal as a potential turning point.
According to Euro N ews , the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, called it a 'win-win for everyone involved.'
He is hinting at plans to open eastern Congo to Western investment.
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