Rwanda, Congo ink deal to end decades long conflict
(MENAFN) Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have reached a peace agreement aimed at ending a conflict that has lasted for decades, with US President Donald Trump asserting that the deal grants the United States rights to the region’s mineral resources.
Officials from DR Congo have long accused Rwanda of supporting rebel groups in the mineral-rich eastern part of the country and of illegally smuggling resources. Tensions worsened when M23 militants captured key mining centers like Goma and Bukavu, reportedly causing thousands of deaths. Although the United Nations and other international bodies have supported Kinshasa’s allegations, Rwanda has denied any involvement in backing these groups.
The peace agreement was signed on Friday in Washington by foreign ministers from both nations and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It includes provisions for Rwanda to withdraw troops from DR Congo within 90 days, outlines plans for disarmament and reintegration of combatants, and establishes a joint security framework.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described the pact as a “turning point,” while DR Congo’s Therese Kayikwamba Wagner urged caution, emphasizing that actual disengagement must follow the agreement.
Importantly, the deal also sets up a “regional economic integration framework” connecting Rwanda, DR Congo, and the United States.
Speaking before the signing, Trump stated that the agreement would grant the US “a lot of the mineral rights from the [Democratic Republic of] Congo.” Although the text does not specify any direct transfer of rights, it commits to “expand foreign trade and investment” across regional mineral supply chains and to initiate joint “mineral value chains” linking both African countries with the US government and American investors within three months.
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