Rwanda and DRC sign declaration of principles for eastern DRC; U.S. official witnesses

Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed a declaration of principles committing both countries to mutual recognition of sovereignty, steps to address security concerns, regional economic integration and measures to facilitate the return of displaced persons.

The declaration was signed at a ceremony hosted with U.S. participation; the transcript records a U.S. official introduced in the program as Marco Rubio and later described in the ceremony as signing the document as a witness. The text of the declaration, as read at the event, also references support for MONUSCO and the drafting of a comprehensive peace agreement.

The declaration “establishes a fundamental understanding of regional governance, security, economic frameworks, and and end the fighting and allow the region to reach…