US President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on Thursday in Washington, D.C., for a deal-signing aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo and facilitating access to the region’s critical mineral resources. The summit, featuring Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, was billed by the White House as a “historic” agreement, providing Trump yet another opportunity to showcase himself as a global dealmaker and to bolster his longstanding claim that he is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The deal builds on previous diplomatic efforts, including a June agreement, and is part of months of negotiations involving the United States, the African Union, and other partners, including Qatar. However, analysts and local observers caution that while the agreement is symbolically significant, the path to durable peace in eastern Congo remains precarious.

Persistent Conflict in Eastern Congo

Eastern Congo has endured decades of instability, with over 100 armed groups operating in the region. The most potent of these is the M23 rebel group, which receives support from Rwanda according to Congolese authorities. In 2025, the conflict escalated dramatically when M23 forces seized the major cities of Goma and Bukavu, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises with millions displaced from their homes.

Despite the signing of the deal in Washington, clashes continue across various localities in eastern Congo. Civilians report ongoing hostilities between M23 rebels and Congolese government forces, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire. “We are still at war,” said Amani Chibalonza Edith, a 32-year-old resident of Goma. “There can be no peace as long as the front lines remain active.” Similarly, in Bukavu, students and residents have described continued attacks and instability, underscoring that formal agreements have yet to translate into tangible safety for local populations.

The roots of the conflict trace back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which Hutu militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million ethnic Tutsis, as well as moderate Hutus and Twa. In the chaos that followed, nearly two million Hutus fled to Congo, fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities have alleged that some of these groups participated in the genocide and have accused elements of the Congolese army of sheltering them. Meanwhile, Congo has insisted that lasting peace requires Rwanda to withdraw support for the M23, while Rwanda has conditioned any permanent ceasefire on Congo dissolving Hutu militias operating alongside the government forces. United Nations experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan forces are deployed in eastern Congo, although Rwanda denies these claims, maintaining that any involvement is aimed at protecting its territory.

Economic and Strategic Stakes

Beyond peace efforts, the agreement also focuses on the economic potential of the region, particularly its rich deposits of rare earth minerals. These minerals are critical for manufacturing technologies ranging from smartphones to fighter jets. With China controlling roughly 70 percent of global rare earth mining and about 90 percent of processing, the United States has a strategic interest in securing alternative supply chains. By facilitating American access to these resources, the pact also serves broader geopolitical and economic objectives.

The Washington summit included both bilateral and trilateral meetings. Trump held separate discussions with Tshisekedi and Kagame before joining them for a three-way meeting at the US Institute of Peace, which the administration announced had been rebranded as the “Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.” Following the formal signing, the US Chamber of Commerce hosted an event bringing together American business leaders and the Congolese and Rwandan delegations to explore investment opportunities in minerals, energy, and tourism.

Trump’s Global Image and Political Narrative

For Trump, the deal offers another chance to highlight his role as a global negotiator. Throughout his presidency and subsequent political career, he has frequently presented himself as a broker of peace in entrenched conflicts, often with a degree of exaggeration. Observers note that Trump views such high-profile diplomatic initiatives as bolstering his personal brand on the international stage, and he has publicly expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

While the White House has portrayed the agreement as “historic,” analysts caution that the peace it envisions is tenuous. Separate peace deals with M23 and ongoing clashes indicate that the situation on the ground remains volatile. Many Congolese residents remain skeptical of the agreement’s ability to halt fighting or improve their daily security.

Humanitarian Challenges

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo has worsened over the past year. In rebel-held Goma, which was previously a hub for aid operations, the international airport remains closed, banking services are limited, and basic government services have yet to resume. Residents report rising crime rates and inflation in local markets, further complicating relief efforts. US funding cuts to aid programs have also affected humanitarian support, creating additional hardships for displaced populations.

Local voices underscore the gap between formal agreements and reality on the ground. “We are waiting to see what will happen because so far, both sides continue to clash and attack each other,” said Moise Bauma, a 27-year-old student in Bukavu. Meanwhile, officials from Congo and Rwanda acknowledge that American involvement is crucial in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions. Yolande Makolo, a senior adviser to President Kagame, noted, “We need that attention from the administration to continue to get to where we need to get to. We are under no illusion that this is going to be easy. This is not the end, but it’s a good step.”

Regional and Global Implications

The Washington agreement is part of broader efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region and prevent further escalation of conflict. It builds on the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which sets out terms for economic partnerships between the three countries and is aimed at fostering trade, investment, and development. For the United States, the deal offers both strategic and economic advantages by providing access to critical minerals while positioning the US as an influential actor in African diplomacy.

However, analysts warn that lasting peace will require more than ceremonial signings. The complex interplay of historical grievances, cross-border militias, and entrenched political interests means that implementation on the ground will be challenging. Both Congo and Rwanda will need to take concrete steps to enforce ceasefire terms, withdraw proxy forces, and address underlying social and political tensions to make any agreement durable.

Conclusion

Thursday’s Washington summit highlighted the dual objectives of international diplomacy: conflict resolution and economic strategy. While the formal agreement between Congo and Rwanda, brokered by the United States, represents a symbolic achievement, its success depends on tangible progress in stabilizing eastern Congo, protecting civilians, and addressing the humanitarian crisis. The pact also reflects broader geopolitical calculations, including US efforts to diversify access to rare earth minerals and assert influence in the African continent.

As the region continues to experience sporadic clashes, residents and observers alike remain cautious. For Congolese civilians, the promise of peace is still uncertain, and the daily reality of violence and disruption persists. For Trump, the signing offers both political capital and an opportunity to showcase his role as a dealmaker on the global stage. Yet, the ultimate measure of success will be whether the accord translates into lasting peace, improved security, and economic stability for the people of eastern Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.