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The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement in Washington, joining US President Donald Trump in a ceremony aimed at ending decades of conflict in the region.
DR Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, both praised the accord, expressing hope that it would usher in lasting stability. Kagame described President Trump as an “even-handed” mediator who “immediately” seized the opportunity to support peace efforts.
BBC reports that the newly endorsed agreement builds on a deal signed by the countries’ foreign ministers in June. However, progress has been hindered in recent months, with each side accusing the other of breaching its commitments.
The summit took place amid renewed violence in eastern DR Congo, where government forces have been battling rebels believed to receive support from Rwanda. The mineral-rich region has long been at the centre of tensions between the two neighbours.
President Trump announced that the US would also be signing separate agreements with both DR Congo and Rwanda to “unlock new opportunities” for access to critical minerals, underscoring Washington’s growing interest in the region’s strategic resources.
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