The effective implementation of the peace agreement signed on June 27 between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, under the aegis of the United States, will depend on continuous surveillance of the United States government and the active support of the Congress, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) entitled “Minerals for peace?” How to enforce the agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo ”.
For Lewis Mudge, director for Central Africa in HRW, this agreement, although focused on strategic mining resources, represents an opportunity for regional peace. It links economic integration and respect for territorial integrity to the promise of Western investments.
“Sustainable peace can only be established if accountability for human rights violations is in the leading of discussions,” he said.
The report insists on several key points:
- The withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC,
- The end of M23 abuses, including attacks against civilians,
- An independent assessment of compliance with commitments by international observers.
HRW denounces the duplicity of the Rwandan government and calls on the United States to impose targeted sanctions in the event of non-compliance with the agreement.
Shared responsibility
HRW also points to the Congolese government’s responsibility, including its support for Allied militias, involved in serious abuses. The organization calls for their immediate dismantling and a break with compromising practices.
