RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, facilitated by the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said the Kingdom hoped the accord would meet “the hopes and aspirations of the two peoples for development and prosperity,” and contribute to “regional and international security and peace.”
The ministry appreciated “the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by the United States of America and the State of Qatar in this regard.”
The agreement, finalised on Friday, seeks to calm the long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. These tensions have escalated in recent years amid accusations of mutual backing for armed rebel groups along their shared border.
The M23 militia is the most prominent of these groups. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that Kigali strongly rejects.
Mediation efforts have accelerated due to the deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where more than seven million people have been displaced by ongoing conflict.
In recent months, the United States and Qatar have been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the two nations. Their efforts culminated in the signing of this formal agreement, which aims to reduce hostilities and commit to renewed dialogue.
