Congo & Rwanda Affirm Trump's Peace Deal Amid Ongoing Violence

Rwanda — Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame — gathered in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump to formally ratify a U.S.-mediated peace and economic integration agreement.

The accord, first signed in June 2025 and now followed by a heads-of-state ceremony, calls for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC, and for the Congolese government to end its support for the rebel-linked FDLR militia. It also includes a commitment to establish a regional economic integration framework centred on critical minerals trade.

At the Washington ceremony — held at the building newly renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace — Trump praised the accord as a “historic” step for Africa and pledged U.S. support for investment in the region’s mineral-rich economy.

• Congo and Rwanda reaffirm Trump-brokered peace deal as violence continues in eastern DRC
• Peace pact centres on troop withdrawal, militia disarmament and critical minerals cooperation
• Critics warn the deal prioritises resource access over real peace as rebel attacks persist\

But the signing did little to stem violence on the ground. In eastern DRC, clashes between the army and the rebel M23 group continued, with civilians reportedly under attack even as leaders met. The rebel group was not party to the agreement.

Critics, including Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege, argue the deal’s emphasis on mineral exploitation reveals its core motive: access to resources, not lasting peace. “While the agreement was signed in Washington, people continue to die in my home village,” he said.

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The success of the accord will depend on real implementation: withdrawal of foreign troops, disbanding militias, and ending support for armed groups. Until those steps happen, many fear the pact could remain largely symbolic.