The presidents of the DRC, Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwanda, Paul Kagame, are in the U.S. capital, along with other heads of state and dignitaries invited to the ceremony.

Meanwhile, in Congo, civil society voices believe that this agreement will not lead to true peace.

It was learnt that 67 non-governmental organizations expressed that without an inclusive national dialogue that addresses the root causes of the conflicts, gives voice to the affected populations, and bring together other armed actors, the unarmed opposition, and civil society, achieving peace will be impossible.

In this regard, they stated that the progress made in the Washington and Doha processes has not improved the situation on the ground.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated at a press conference that the signing in Washington was part of a transparent process, about which all the country’s institutions were informed.

Meanwhile, Tina Salama, spokeswoman for President Tshisekedi, maintained that the agreement “does not imply the sale of minerals to the Americans” and that sovereignty over the resources remains entirely Congolese.

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