Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed an agreement to respect

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed an agreement to respect each other's sovereignty and come up with a draft peace deal by 2 May.

The deal was signed by the two countries' foreign ministers in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also present at Friday's ceremony.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced in recent months as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized swathes of mineral-rich territory in eastern DR Congo.

After losing territory, the government in Kinshasa turned to the US for help in exchange for access to the minerals.

The text of the agreement says both sides now expect significant investments facilitated by the US government and private sector.

Despite the talks, fighting reportedly continued on Friday in North Kivu province.

The agreement was signed by the DR Congo's and Rwanda's foreign ministers in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The pact aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the region, which has led to a humanitarian crisis and sparked concerns about regional stability. The agreement outlines a roadmap for the withdrawal of M23 rebels from occupied territories, the disarmament and demobilization of rebel fighters, and the establishment of a joint commission to monitor the implementation of the deal.

The US government has pledged to provide technical and financial support to facilitate the peace process, including the deployment of experts to help with the disarmament and demobilization of rebel fighters. The private sector is also expected to play a crucial role, with investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and mining projects aimed at promoting economic development and creating jobs.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the agreement as a major breakthrough, saying it marked a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the region. "Today's agreement is a testament to the power of diplomacy and international cooperation," Rubio said. "We look forward to working closely with both governments to ensure the successful implementation of this deal."

Rwandan Foreign Minister, Vincent Biruta, expressed optimism about the agreement, saying it demonstrated the willingness of both sides to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. "We have made significant progress, but we know that the journey ahead will be long and challenging," Biruta said. "We are committed to working together to ensure that this agreement brings lasting peace and prosperity to our people."

DR Congo's Foreign Minister, Christophe Lutundula, echoed Biruta's sentiments, saying the agreement marked a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. "We have turned the page on a difficult chapter in our history," Lutundula said. "We are now focused on building a brighter future for our people, and we are grateful for the support of the US government and the international community."

Despite the optimism, the situation on the ground remains fragile, with reports of continued fighting in North Kivu province. The international community is urging both sides to respect the agreement and work towards a lasting peace. As the deadline for the draft peace deal approaches, the world will be watching closely to see if Rwanda and the DR Congo can overcome their differences and build a more stable and prosperous future for their people.