Congo and Rwanda Sign Peace Agreement in Washington D.C.

The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have formalised a peace agreement in Washington D.C., seeking to end years of conflict in the eastern region of the DRC. The signing occurred during a summit hosted by United States President Donald Trump, who described the event as a significant day for both Africa and the global community.

The ceremony took place against the backdrop of escalating violence in eastern DRC, particularly involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, who are alleged to have support from Rwanda. The DRC’s military has accused the M23 of attempting to undermine the peace process, while M23 claims that the DRC army has violated ceasefire terms. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and has displaced numerous civilians from their homes, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.

At the event, President Trump expressed his confidence in both leaders, stating, "I have a lot of confidence in both leaders. We’ll keep these commitments. I know they’re going to keep them and follow through on the agreement and create a much brighter future for the people of their countries."

Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the DRC, and Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, both endorsed the peace agreement, which aims to stabilise the region and facilitate economic development. The gathering also included several other African leaders, such as representatives from Kenya, Angola, Burundi, Togo, and Uganda, highlighting the broader regional interest in peace and stability.

Kagame commended Trump's neutral stance, stating that he is an "even-handed" leader who is "never taking sides." He characterised the current diplomatic approach as pragmatic, offering a viable path forward for the region. Tshisekedi expressed his gratitude and optimism regarding the agreement, hoping that Rwanda would honour the terms of the deal.

The United States has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue between the two nations, aiming to alleviate tensions that have historically hindered investment in the mineral-rich region. President Trump announced that the U.S. plans to send major companies to both countries to explore and extract valuable minerals, promising mutual economic benefits. "Everybody's going to make a lot of money," he asserted, indicating a potential shift in U.S. engagement in Central Africa.

This peace deal follows earlier discussions and an agreement signed by the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda in June of this year. Despite these diplomatic efforts, recent exchanges of accusations between the DRC military and M23 rebels have raised concerns about ongoing violence and the effectiveness of the ceasefire. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, as the region’s stability remains precarious.