Following the peace agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on June 27, which provides for the creation of a favorable environment for regional economic growth, considered essential for stability and lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region, the parties discussed the issue.

Although tensions remain high in eastern DRC due to the actions of the Kigali-backed Alliance du Rive Congo-Movement 23 March (AFC/M23), representatives from both countries discussed cooperation and signed the principles of the Regional Economic Integration Framework mediated by the United States.

Economic integration has been one of the most criticized aspects of the agreement with Rwanda, which is why Kinshasa had argued that it could only occur after peace were restored in the eastern part of the country.

However, what happened this Friday reinforces previously raised objections, according to which the government negotiated peace at the cost of handing over its natural resources, not only to the neighboring country considered an invader and enemy, but also to the United States.

According to what was discussed in the US capital, through joint coordination in areas such as energy, infrastructure, mining, national park management, tourism, and public health, the DRC and Rwanda will promote economic progress and improve the lives of local communities, according to a statement from the US State Department.

jdt/arm/mem/kmg