Congo and Rwanda agree on steps to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo

Congolese and Rwandan officials have agreed on coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo where Congo is fighting rebels backed by the neighboring Rwanda

Congolese and Rwandan officials met in the United States and agreed on coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo, where government troops are fighting rebels backed by neighboring Rwanda, according to a joint statement.

The statement issued by the Congolese, Rwandan and U.S. governments said that Congolese and Rwandan officials met on Tuesday and Wednesday to advance progress in eastern Congo as peace efforts led by the U.S. and partners including Qatar have stalled and violence continued.

The mineral-rich eastern Congo has been battered by decades of unrest as government forces fight more than 100 armed groups, the most potent the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda. The M23 made an unprecedented advance into the region early last year, seizing key cities as they quickly expanded their presence.

U.S. President Donald Trump has emerged as a key peace facilitator as he tried to rally both countries to commit to a permanent ceasefire while at the same time paving way for American companies to gain access to Congo’s minerals, which are critical for much of the world’s technology from jets to mobile phones.

Both Congo and Rwanda in this week's meeting committed to efforts that revolve around the agreement that Trump facilitated between the two presidents last year.