New York, 28 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised a peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, calling it a "significant step" towards de-escalation.

He also commended the US for its leadership in mediating the process.

His comments came after the two African nations signed the agreement on Friday in Washington, in a bid to end decades of fighting in eastern Congo.

Guterres said he urged the parties to fully comply with the commitments they had made in the peace agreement.

The UN was determined to support the implementation of the agreement in close coordination with the African Union and regional and international partners, he said.

In January, the conflict escalated as the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 seized control of the city of Goma and neighbouring towns and villages in Congo's resource-rich eastern region.

As a result of mediation efforts by the US and Qatar, Rwanda and the Congo then agreed on a declaration of principles in April.

The agreement covers respect for territorial integrity, a ban on hostilities, and the withdrawal, disarmament and integration of non-state armed groups, according to official statements. It enters into force immediately.

The accord also aims to facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons and enable humanitarian access to the conflict area.

At its core, the agreement aims to establish a permanent joint mechanism for security coordination between the Congo and Rwanda.

The nations also seek to strengthen economic cooperation, including with US companies and investors.

More than half a million people have fled the fighting since the beginning of the year, while hundreds have been killed and thousands injured, according to the UN.