Washington, D.C. — In a landmark move to end one of Africa’s longest-running and deadliest conflicts, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on Friday in Washington. The deal, hailed by American officials as a historic step, is also expected to bolster U.S. access to critical minerals in eastern Congo, an area rich in resources but plagued by violence.
The signing ceremony, held at the State Department’s Treaty Room under a portrait of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was followed by remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the deal as a turning point for Central Africa.
“Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, harmony, and peace,” Trump said, addressing the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda during a meeting at the White House.
A Conflict Decades in the Making
Eastern Congo has been embroiled in armed conflict since the 1990s, with more than 100 armed groups involved, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The violence has claimed the lives of more than 6 million people through fighting, famine, and disease, making it one of the deadliest crises since World War II.
Despite the deal, many analysts and observers remain cautious. The M23 group, one of the most powerful rebel factions, has not recognized the agreement and insists it does not apply to them. Their exclusion raises doubts about the deal’s immediate impact on the ground.
“This agreement ignores war crimes and justice for victims by forcing a partnership between the victim and the aggressor,” said Christian Moleka, a political scientist at Congolese think tank Dypol. “Without justice and reparations, there can be no lasting peace.”
Terms of the Agreement
The peace deal includes commitments from both nations to respect each other’s territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and a framework for the disarmament, disengagement, and conditional reintegration of non-state armed groups.
It also carries a strong economic dimension, with the U.S. eyeing access to Congo’s critical mineral reserves, essential for global technology and defense industries. These include cobalt, lithium, and tantalum, minerals that are also a central part of growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China in Africa.
The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates Congo’s untapped mineral wealth could be worth up to $24 trillion. While Congo sees the U.S. as a valuable strategic partner, critics warn the deal may prioritize American interests over meaningful peacebuilding.
Diplomats Express Cautious Optimism
Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the agreement and expressed both optimism and caution.
“Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear,” Wagner said. “Those who have suffered the most are watching. We cannot fail them.”
Nduhungirehe acknowledged past failed peace attempts and called for sustained international support. Both ministers, along with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanked Qatar for facilitating months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Skepticism on the Ground
In Congo’s North Kivu province, the heart of the ongoing conflict, many expressed cautious hope but demanded accountability.
“I don’t think the Americans should be trusted 100%,” said Hope Muhinuka, an activist in the region. “It’s up to us to capitalize on this moment.”
Meanwhile, the M23 rebels, who currently control large swaths of eastern Congo and have displaced 7 million people, have said the agreement is irrelevant to them.
“Anything regarding us, done without us, is against us,” said M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, reiterating the group’s demand for direct negotiations.
Historic Roots and Lingering Tensions
The roots of the conflict trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people — mostly ethnic Tutsis — were killed. After the genocide, nearly 2 million Hutus, including suspected perpetrators, fled to Congo. Rwanda has long accused Congo of harboring genocidaires, while Congo accuses Rwanda of exploiting its territory and supporting rebel groups like M23.
Despite Friday’s deal, Rwanda maintains a military presence in eastern Congo, officially described as a “defensive measure.” It remains unclear whether Rwanda will now withdraw its troops as part of the agreement.
What’s Next?
While President Trump warned of “very severe penalties” for any violations of the deal, the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation, the response of non-signatory rebel groups, and the political will of both governments.
Congo hopes that U.S. support will translate into military and logistical backing to help dislodge rebels from key cities like Goma and Bukavu, and restore lasting peace in a region that has known little of it for more than 30 years.
For now, the deal represents a diplomatic breakthrough — but whether it can stop the bloodshed remains to be seen.
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