Kinshasa: The presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are expected to travel to Washington next week to sign a long awaited peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.

Sources close to the negotiations say Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda President Paul Kagame are scheduled to meet on December 4 to finalise the deal. The United States has helped broker the agreement after months of quiet diplomatic talks.

The peace deal is expected to include steps to reduce military tensions along the border, remove foreign troops from eastern Congo and begin a process to disarm armed groups operating in the region. One of the main challenges has been the continued presence of the M23 rebel movement and other militias.

Earlier this month, Congo and the M23 group signed a framework agreement in Qatar. However, observers say many key issues remain unresolved and the full implementation of that agreement may take time.

The peace efforts also include a regional economic plan designed to help rebuild trust between the two neighbouring nations. Both sides hope that stability will attract new investment to the mineral rich region.

Diplomatic progress has been uneven. Rwanda recently accused Congo of delaying parts of the process, while Congolese officials insist that security must improve before deeper cooperation can begin.

Despite the concerns, international mediators say next week’s summit could mark a significant turning point if both leaders commit to implementing the agreements already signed.

Communities in eastern Congo continue to hope for a ceasefire and lasting peace after years of violence, displacement and insecurity. Many see the upcoming Washington meeting as one of the most serious attempts in recent years to end the cycle of conflict.