Washington, D.C., December 4, 2025 — United States President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in Washington, DC, to finalize a peace agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict in the region. Trump hailed the deal as a historic milestone, calling it a “great day for Africa, great day for the world”, and announced that the U.S. will engage in bilateral trade deals to purchase rare earth minerals from the two nations.

![Rwandan President Paul Kagame, US President Donald Trump, and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi at signing ceremony, Washington, DC, December 4, 2025. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]

The Peace Agreement

The deal, officially signed on Thursday at the US Institute for Peace, builds on agreements reached earlier this year. Initial talks began in March when DRC President Felix Tshisekedi met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar. The agreement, now formalized, aims to address long-standing regional conflicts, including the activities of the March 23 Movement (M23), a Rwanda-backed armed group operating in eastern DRC.

Key components of the deal include:

• Rwanda ceases support for M23, effectively ending external backing for rebel activities in the DRC.
• DRC commits to neutralizing Hutu militias, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, accused of fueling violence in Rwanda.
• Mutual respect for territorial integrity and a framework for regional economic cooperation to promote stability and prosperity.

President Tshisekedi described the accord as a “turning point” that could usher in a new era of cooperation and economic growth for the region. Kagame emphasized that while challenges remain, Rwanda is committed to the peace process.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite the signing, violence persists in eastern DRC. Residents in key cities like Goma report ongoing conflict, with M23 forces continuing operations. Amani Chibalonza Edith, a 32-year-old resident of Goma, told the Associated Press:

“We are still at war. There can be no peace as long as the front lines remain active.”

Al Jazeera reporter Alan Fisher highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that a signing ceremony alone cannot immediately halt entrenched conflicts. The real test will be implementation and enforcement by the DRC and Rwanda, alongside U.S. diplomatic support.

Rare Earth Mineral Deals

In addition to the peace agreement, President Trump announced plans for U.S. investment in the DRC and Rwanda, focusing on the extraction of rare earth minerals used in emerging technologies, renewable energy, and medical devices. Trump stated:

“We’ll be involved with sending some of our biggest and greatest companies over to the two countries. We’re going to take out some of the rare earth, take out some of the assets and pay. Everybody is going to make a lot of money.”

This initiative aligns with U.S. interests in securing critical minerals for technology and defense industries, while simultaneously fostering economic partnerships with African nations.

Trump’s International Image

Trump’s hosting of Tshisekedi and Kagame was part of his broader efforts to position himself as a peacemaker on the world stage. He has previously claimed to have resolved multiple international conflicts, though these claims remain controversial.

The ceremony also contrasted sharply with his public comments about other African nations, including Somalia, where he previously insulted the country and its diaspora in the U.S., drawing criticism from human rights groups and international observers.

Regional and Global Implications

The DRC-Rwanda peace deal represents a potential breakthrough for Central Africa, a region historically plagued by armed conflicts that have claimed millions of lives. Successful implementation could stabilize eastern DRC, reduce cross-border tensions, and promote economic development through mineral trade and infrastructure projects.

However, observers caution that the agreement’s success depends on consistent enforcement by both countries and continued international support, particularly from the United States.