Signing Ceremony Fails to Halt Fighting in Eastern Congo

A high-profile meeting between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has not stopped the violence in eastern DRC. Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Washington for their first direct talks in a year. However, the M23 rebel group, a key force in the conflict, was not part of the agreement. Fighting continues between the Congolese army and M23 fighters. The ongoing war is fueled by long-standing militias, deep mistrust between the DRC and Rwanda, and the illegal trade of the region's valuable minerals. Dr. Alex Vines of the European Council on Foreign Relations states that true peace requires more than a deal between leaders. “This needs to be more than just an elite bargain," Dr. Vines said. "It needs depth if it is to be lasting.”