A peace agreement is a formal settlement of a conflict between warring parties. The goal of peace agreements is to reduce violence and build trust through political and economic incentives and strategic re-alignment. They are becoming a more common outcome of civil wars in the post-Cold War era and, according to research by the Kroc Institute, sustainable improvements in peacefulness are most likely when they include a mix of political commitments and economic opportunities.
Economic cooperation resulting from peace accords can unlock economic opportunities and transform previously war-ravaged regions into hubs of prosperity. It can also transcend borders, fostering collaborations in scientific research and other areas of industry. This can help to create a more interconnected, prosperous global community.
Peace-building efforts must address root causes of conflicts. This is not only to prevent future conflict, but to ensure peace agreements are enduring. For example, latent cultural or religious identities often become weapons of war during long-running conflict. These identities can also serve as a rationale for perpetrating atrocities during conflict and after the ceasefire ends, even if those beliefs are no longer relevant in a negotiated settlement.
The peace deal between the government of DRC and Rwanda excludes the Tutsi-dominated Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) armed group, who have committed war crimes in the region, which risks jeopardizing the stability of the agreement and may lead to renewed conflict. This complication highlights the importance of ensuring diverse voices are heard in negotiations.