Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on Friday, offering hope to end a deadly conflict that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands in eastern Congo. The deal, signed in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, includes Rwanda’s commitment to withdraw its troops from Congo within 90 days and launch a regional economic integration framework.
The U.S., aiming to secure mineral rights in the region rich in cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum, played a key role in mediating the deal. President Donald Trump, who met the foreign ministers of both nations in the Oval Office, emphasized that the U.S. would enforce the agreement, warning of “severe penalties” for violations.
The peace agreement also backs ongoing Qatar-hosted talks between Congo and M23 rebels, with both nations agreeing to a joint security mechanism within 30 days. A separate economic framework tied to critical mineral supply chains will be finalized in a future White House event, involving Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame.
Analysts note this marks a rare breakthrough in the decades-long regional conflict rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. However, past peace efforts have repeatedly failed. The agreement includes provisions to monitor Rwanda’s military withdrawal and halt Congo's operations against the FDLR, a Hutu militia linked to the genocide.
Trump’s senior Africa adviser, Massad Boulos, referred to the broader initiative as the “Washington Accord,” positioning the U.S. as a key player in stabilizing the resource-rich Great Lakes region. Political analysts say sustained U.S. pressure will be vital to ensure long-term peace and economic cooperation.
The deal links regional stability with foreign investment, signaling a shift in approach to resolving Africa’s mineral-fueled conflicts.