DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa’s longest conflicts with thousands killed this year.

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 21 (APP): An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Rwandan-backed Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) as “an important step towards sustainable peace.”

As the Senate prepares to take up the rescissions package, lawmakers should remember: Peacekeeping isn’t charity, it’s strategy.