A deal signed in Washington has been touted as a major step toward peace in Congo following decades of conflict that has killed millions, including thousands this year.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed a peace deal facilitated by the U.S. to help end the decades-long fighting in eastern Congo.

Congo and Rwanda have committed to signing a peace agreement in Washington on June 27.

Rwanda's deal with Britain to take in rejected asylum-seekers collapsed last year after much criticism by human rights groups.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has overseen the signing by Congo and Rwanda of a pledge to work toward a peace deal that would ease U.S. access to critical minerals in resource-rich eastern Congo.

Rebels backed by Rwanda have captured more towns in eastern Congo as fighters moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region.