Rwanda and Congo Reach Peace Agreement
On Friday, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finalized a peace agreement facilitated by the United States, raising hopes for an end to the ongoing conflict that has led to numerous fatalities and displaced many individuals this year.
This agreement represents a crucial development in negotiations led by the administration of former President Donald Trump, with the goal of attracting substantial Western investments into a resource-rich region known for its tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and other precious minerals.
At a signing ceremony in Washington attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, foreign ministers from both countries pledged to implement a 2024 plan that includes withdrawing Rwandan troops from eastern Congo within 90 days, as indicated in a document obtained by Reuters. Furthermore, Kinshasa and Kigali will initiate a regional economic integration framework within the same period.
Trump reflected on the long-standing history of violence between these nations, labeling it one of the most severe conflicts observed. He expressed contentment at having played a part in brokering this resolution and noted that this agreement would also protect mineral rights for the U.S. from Congo.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described this accord as a major milestone, while Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner stressed that it must be followed with efforts towards disengagement.
In follow-up discussions with both ministers at the Oval Office, Trump invited Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to visit Washington to finalize additional agreements collectively termed the “Washington Accord,” according to Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa.
Nduhungirehe urged Trump to maintain involvement due to past failures in enforcing similar agreements. Trump warned that any breaches of this new accord could result in significant financial penalties and other consequences.
Analysts have reported that Rwanda has deployed around 7,000 soldiers across its border in support of M23 rebels who captured strategic cities and lucrative mining areas in eastern Congo earlier this year. This resurgence is seen as part of an ongoing cycle rooted in historical conflicts dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, raising concerns over potential broader warfare involving neighboring countries.
Economic Agreements
Boulos had previously informed Reuters that Washington aimed for simultaneous signatures on both the peace agreement and related mineral contracts during the summer months. Rubio confirmed on Friday that heads of state are expected in Washington soon to finalize all protocols associated with these agreements.
The signed agreement grants both nations three months to establish a framework aimed at “expanding foreign trade and investment derived from regional critical mineral supply chains.” A source familiar with developments indicated another agreement regarding this framework would be signed at an upcoming White House event on an unspecified date.
It is understood that progress made during concurrent discussions held in Doha—focused on mediating disputes between delegations from both governments and M23—is vital before finalizing the economic framework. The recently signed accord expressed “full support” for these Qatar-hosted talks.
Additionally, it outlines plans for creating a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days while implementing an earlier plan established last year regarding monitoring Rwandan troop withdrawals over three months. At the same time, military operations targeting armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—composed of remnants tied to Rwanda’s former military involved in genocide—are scheduled to conclude within this timeframe. Reports suggest Congolese negotiators had previously softened their demands concerning immediate troop withdrawals prior to proceeding with Friday’s signing ceremony.
The DRC government along with international organizations contend that Rwanda continues its support for M23 through troop deployments and weapon supplies; however, Rwanda has consistently refuted these claims, asserting its forces are engaged solely defensively against attacks from Congo’s army and Hutu militias linked to previous genocidal acts including FDLR members.
“This is our best chance yet for initiating peace despite numerous challenges,” stated Jason Stearns—a political scientist specializing in Africa’s Great Lakes region—while acknowledging past attempts at similar resolutions have not succeeded. He emphasized it will be up to U.S. leadership as primary guarantor of this arrangement to ensure adherence from both parties involved.
The newly signed contract indicates intentions for Rwanda and Congo to address risks surrounding mineral supply chains while establishing collaborative value chains “that connect both countries,” potentially involving U.S. partnerships or investments where appropriate.
Political analyst Tresor Kibangula noted: “This carries strategic implications: ensuring stability in eastern regions also secures investment opportunities.” However, he cautioned about whether economic incentives alone could suffice for achieving lasting peace.
