Congo drops demand for immediate Rwandan troop pullout

Congolese negotiators have dropped their demand for an immediate Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, clearing the way for a U.S.-brokered peace deal expected to be signed in Washington on Friday. Rwanda has at least 7,000 troops in eastern Congo backing M23 rebels, though it denies direct involvement and says it’s acting in self-defense against Congo-based groups like the FDLR. The revised agreement envisions a phased Rwandan withdrawal over several months, contingent on neutralizing the FDLR, Reuters has reported. The deal also aims to boost Western investment in the countries’ rich mineral resources while ensuring U.S. access to critical minerals.