This week in Washington, Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Paul Kagame of Rwanda joined President Donald Trump to sign a landmark peace deal. The agreement aims to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC and open up the region's rich mineral reserves to U.S. companies.
The ceremony took place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which was renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the State Department just one day before. Against the backdrop of global leaders, Tshisekedi and Kagame shook hands 🤝 and put pen to paper, signaling a bold step toward stability in Central Africa.
Eastern DRC has been haunted by violence for years, fueled by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels since late 2021. While the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, Kigali has consistently denied any support. The new deal includes provisions for troop withdrawals and an international monitoring mission to keep the peace.
At the signing, President Trump announced bilateral agreements that grant U.S. companies access to critical minerals like cobalt and lithium – essential for electric vehicles and clean energy tech ⚡. "We'll be sending some of our biggest and greatest U.S. companies over to the two countries," he said, highlighting the economic boost both sides expect.
Both African leaders met separately with Trump at the White House earlier this week, deepening diplomatic ties. In June this year, foreign ministers from the DRC and Rwanda also signed a preliminary peace memorandum in Washington, laying the groundwork for this historic summit.
While ceasefire violations were reported again this Tuesday, diplomats remain hopeful. The deal marks a fresh chapter for Central Africa – one where peace and prosperity go hand in hand. Stay tuned as we follow how this agreement shapes the future of the region.
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DRC, Rwanda sign peace deal, open critical mineral resources to U.S.
cgtn.com
