Rwandan president says hopeful about U.S.-brokered peace deal with DRC

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Thursday he remains hopeful about the signing of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Media reports, citing sources in the DRC's presidential office, indicated that the peace deal between Kagame and his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi could be signed in Washington at the beginning of December.

Addressing a press conference in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, Kagame said Rwanda is not responsible for the delay.

"For us, we have been here waiting. They are saying that it may be at the beginning of December that we are going to meet in Washington. We are still hopeful because those bringing us together have the intention," he added.

The Rwandan leader stressed that he remains optimistic and believes there is a chance for a peaceful settlement.

On June 27, Rwanda and DRC ministers of foreign affairs signed a peace deal calling for a cessation of hostilities between the two neighboring countries' armies.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, an allegation Kigali denies.