Historic strides toward peace in Africa were marked as U.S. President Donald Trump played a pivotal role in brokering a landmark agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Breitbart, this agreement, signed on Friday at the U.S. State Department, aims to resolve a 30-year conflict in eastern DRC while fostering economic collaboration with U.S. support.
The roots of this conflict stretch back three decades, making it one of the longest-running disputes on the African continent. It has caused immense suffering and instability, particularly in eastern DRC, where security threats have persisted.
On April 25, a preliminary declaration of principles was signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This laid the groundwork for the comprehensive accord that followed. Senior Adviser Massad Boulos also contributed significantly to the negotiations throughout the year. The formal signing took place on Friday at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner put their signatures to the document. Rubio presided over the event, witnessing this crucial step forward. After the ceremony, Nduhungirehe and Wagner joined President Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. They participated in an hour-long press event to highlight the importance of the accord. The gathering underscored Trump’s investment in the peace process.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump signed letters inviting Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to a future White House summit. The event, tentatively set for July with the exact date pending, will focus on further economic cooperation. Nduhungirehe expressed optimism about this upcoming gathering. “Yes, President Trump signed the letters to our President, President Kagame, and the DRC President, President Tshisekedi, to come to the White House,” Nduhungirehe said. “The date is yet to be determined, but we expect that during that summit, this agreement on regional and economic integration framework will be signed.” He added, “We believe this will be a step further in bringing peace to our region but also showing his personal commitment — President Donald Trump — to the peace in the Great Lakes Region.”
The agreement addresses longstanding security issues in eastern DRC, including a plan to neutralize a destabilizing genocidal group. This mechanism aims to ease tensions, allowing Rwanda to reduce its defensive posture. Nduhungirehe emphasized the significance of this security component. “It is a deal that addresses the security concerns of Rwanda and DRC,” Nduhungirehe noted. “In the past, since the genocide against the Tutsis, there has been that remnant in eastern DRC, but we have a mechanism to address that threat.” Beyond security, the accord includes a robust economic framework. It promotes joint investments in critical minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten—key components in modern electronics. U.S. government and corporate support will bolster these initiatives.
The Great Lakes Region, rich in freshwater lakes and biodiversity, holds vast natural wealth. Its mineral resources, often called the “three T’s,” are vital for technology industries. Conflict has historically deterred investment in this area. “This Great Lakes Region is a very rich region with cross-border trade but also natural wealth including the critical minerals on both sides of the border,” Nduhungirehe explained. “With peace and stability, we will now work on the framework of addressing mineral supply chains.” Stability is expected to attract U.S. companies, fostering partnerships that benefit both nations and American interests. This economic dimension is seen as a long-term incentive for lasting peace. Nduhungirehe described this approach as innovative compared to past efforts.
The peace deal also integrates dialogue with the M23 group, a Congolese movement tied to Rwandan heritage. This inclusion marks a departure from previous agreements that overlooked such dynamics. Complementary talks mediated by Qatar in Doha are also supported under this framework. “Previous deals didn’t integrate this dialogue between the government of Congo and this group of M23, a community that was marginalized for many years,” Nduhungirehe said. “We have committed in the Washington peace agreement to support the Doha talks.”
These combined efforts aim to create a broad, sustainable resolution. Nduhungirehe expressed cautious optimism about the potential for enduring peace. The involvement of multiple stakeholders adds depth to the process.
Trump’s role has garnered significant praise, with calls for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Rwanda’s Nduhungirehe strongly endorsed this sentiment, citing Trump’s dedication. “Absolutely… deserves the Nobel Peace Prize,” he declared. “This conflict in eastern DRC is one of the longest conflicts on the continent — 30 years,” Nduhungirehe elaborated. “Anyone, including President Trump, who would help sizably to bring this conflict to an end deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Support extends beyond Rwanda, with Pakistan also advocating for Trump’s recognition of separate peace efforts. Several members of Congress have introduced resolutions backing this nomination. The global acknowledgment highlights the impact of Trump’s diplomatic engagement.
While the signing is a milestone, Nduhungirehe stressed the importance of implementation. Past agreements in the region have faltered at this stage. He remains hopeful under Trump’s leadership. “By experience, we know there have been agreements that were signed in the past that were never implemented,” he cautioned. “But we know now with the leadership of President Trump, we will be able to count on him to implement this agreement.” The focus now shifts to ensuring the deal’s promises become reality. Both security and economic components require sustained effort. The involvement of the U.S. is seen as a key factor in success.
The economic aspects, including shared investments in national parks and Lake Kivu resources, offer new avenues for growth. These initiatives aim to benefit local populations alongside international partners. Nduhungirehe highlighted the mutual advantages of this collaboration.
“We have a chapter on the original economic framework that will help the parties to make joint investments in minerals,” he said. “There is also investment in common national parks and natural resources in the joint lake, Kivu Lake.” As the region moves forward, the blend of peace and prosperity remains the ultimate goal. With U.S. backing, Rwanda and the DRC aim to transform their shared history of conflict. The world watches as this historic accord unfolds.