The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement brokered by the United States, aimed at ending decades of conflict and promote development in eastern Congo.

The deal has provisions on territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities and the disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.

It also paves the way for the US government and American companies to gain access to critical minerals in the region.

US President Donald Trump said he had brokered a deal for "one of the worst wars anyone has ever seen," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as "an important moment after 30 years of war."

M23 compliance in question

Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the agreement, both expressing optimism while acknowledging that significant work remains to end the violence.

"Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear," said Wagner. Her Rwandan counterpart emphasized that shared growth and cooperation would "unlock tangible dividends" for both countries.

More than 100 armed groups are believed to be active in eastern Congo, with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group being the most prominent.

The group made major advances early this year and seized eastern Congo's two largest cities and lucrative mining areas 

However, M23 rebels have indicated that the agreement will not be binding on them.

The conflict has displaced more than seven million people.

The United Nations has described it as "one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth."

Edited by: Louis Oelofse