Congo and Rwanda submit draft peace proposal amid escalating conflict

In Goma, Congo, representatives from both Congo and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in the region. This step comes as part of a U.S.-led initiative aimed at addressing the fighting in eastern Congo, a region rich in resources that has been plagued by violence for decades. The proposal was welcomed by Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior advisor for Africa and the Middle East, who acknowledged it as an important development in the quest for peace. The conflict saw a significant escalation earlier this year when the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, captured the strategic city of Goma and later advanced to Bukavu. This wave of violence resulted in thousands of casualties and has displaced millions, creating a dire humanitarian crisis and raising concerns of broader regional instability. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi highlighted the importance of U.S. assistance in restoring peace, suggesting that any effort to stabilize the region may include easing U.S. access to vital minerals native to eastern Congo. Both countries are now looking to negotiate a final peace agreement, which Rwanda's foreign minister hopes will be signed by the heads of state by mid-June. The involvement of the U.S. is anticipated to facilitate greater investment opportunities, which could provide economic benefits to the area and slowly usher in lasting peace.