Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has facilitated a peace agreement between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Félix Tshisekedi) and Rwanda (Paul Kagame), aiming to end over three decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
The signing took place at the Peace Institute, recently renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. Trump also announced plans for bilateral agreements on rare earth mining, saying major U.S. firms would invest in the region.
Eastern Congo, rich in strategic minerals, has long been a hotspot for foreign and armed group interests. Analysts note the peace deal builds on a previous framework, with both countries committing to respect territorial integrity, halt aggression, and cease support for armed groups.
While Kagame praised Trump for achieving what earlier regional mediators could not, Tshisekedi called the agreement the start of a new and challenging path. The two leaders exchanged gestures but did not shake hands.
Observers caution that the deal’s success hinges on ongoing talks in Doha with representatives of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, which earlier this year seized key Kivu towns and set up its own administration.