President Donald Trump presided over the formal signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on Thursday, December 4, 2025, marking what administration officials called a historic moment in African diplomatic relations. The ceremony took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, with leaders from multiple African nations attending as witnesses.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed the accord, known as the Washington Accord for Peace and Prosperity, which formalizes negotiations that have spanned months and include provisions aimed at ending a protracted regional conflict. The agreement represents the first time heads of state from both nations have jointly committed to the peace framework, which was initially signed by their foreign ministers on June 27, 2025.
Key Provisions of the Peace Agreement
The Congo-Rwanda peace deal now regarded as the Washington Accord includes several major commitments designed to resolve longstanding tensions between the two countries. Rwanda is obligated to withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and cease support for the M23 rebel group, which has controlled significant territory in the resource-rich region. Simultaneously, the Democratic Republic of Congo commits to disarming the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia group comprised primarily of ethnic Hutu extremists who fled Rwanda following the 1994 genocide that claimed approximately 800,000 lives.
The agreement also establishes a Regional Economic Integration Framework designed to foster cooperation between the nations through joint investments in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, and public health sectors. Trump announced during the ceremony that the United States would deploy “some of our largest and most reputable companies” to both nations to extract rare earth elements and other resources.
“We will extract the rare earth elements, take some of the resources, and compensate accordingly. Everyone will benefit financially,” Trump stated at the signing ceremony.
Regional Context and Previous Negotiations
The conflict in eastern Congo has persisted for decades, with tensions escalating dramatically in January 2025 when M23 rebels, reportedly supported by approximately 6,000 Rwandan soldiers, captured Goma and Bukavu, the two largest cities in the eastern region. The offensive displaced thousands and resulted in significant casualties, prompting international concern and diplomatic intervention.
The M23 conflict stems partly from ethnic tensions and competition over control of the region’s vast mineral wealth. Rwanda maintains that its military presence addresses threats posed by the FDLR militia, while the Democratic Republic of Congo contends that Rwanda’s forces support M23 rebels and contribute to regional destabilization.
Qatar has facilitated separate negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels, with discussions ongoing in Doha. The M23 was not present at the Washington signing ceremony, as it remains engaged in ongoing peace talks with the Congolese government aimed at resolving their separate conflict.
Also read What is Happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
International Participation and Bilateral Agreements
The signing ceremony included Presidents Félix Tshisekedi (DRC), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), plus leaders from Kenya, Angola, Burundi, Togo, Uganda’s VP, and foreign ministers from Qatar/UAE, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring American diplomatic involvement in brokering the accord.
Trump also signed bilateral agreements with both nations, establishing frameworks for U.S. investment and resource access. These agreements specifically address American interest in acquiring critical minerals from the region, including rare earth elements essential for technology and defense applications.
Statements from Regional Leaders
Kagame praised Trump’s mediation efforts, characterizing the U.S. president as an impartial leader who has provided “the clearest and most feasible path forward that we have ever encountered.” He emphasized that Rwanda views the accord as offering unprecedented opportunity for regional stability.
Tshisekedi expressed “deep appreciation and clear optimism” regarding the agreement while noting that his government would remain “vigilant” regarding Rwanda’s implementation of commitments. He called the accord “a turning point” for both nations and stated that genuine peace could improve citizens’ lives and security.
Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal Challenges and Implementation Questions
Despite the ceremonial significance of Thursday’s signing, analysts note that both nations face substantial obstacles in implementing the agreement’s provisions. As of the signing date, Rwandan troops had not yet withdrawn from Congolese territory, and the status of FDLR disarmament remains unclear. Fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese government forces has continued even as diplomatic negotiations proceeded.
Recent clashes erupted this week in eastern Congo, with each side accusing the other of ceasefire violations. The Congolese military alleged that opposing forces were attempting to “undermine” the peace initiative, while M23 representatives claimed the military initiated attacks.
Congolese civilians in contested areas express skepticism regarding the agreement’s prospects. Chalo Mbani, a 32-year-old resident of Goma, told international media: “We are still at war. There can be no peace as long as the front lines remain active.”
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Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal: Economic Integration Framework
The Regional Economic Integration Framework signed alongside the political accord establishes joint development projects intended to create mutual economic benefits. Priority sectors include critical minerals extraction, hydropower development through the Ruzizi hydropower plant—projected to benefit approximately 30 million people across Burundi, Congo, and Rwanda—and cross-border infrastructure improvements.
The Democratic Republic of Congo signed a preliminary exploration accord with American critical minerals company KoBold Metals in July 2025 to explore the Manono deposit, one of the world’s largest undeveloped lithium resources.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce organized a concurrent business event featuring American executives to explore investment opportunities in critical minerals, energy, and tourism sectors. Senior advisers from both delegations engaged with American business representatives to discuss economic cooperation frameworks.
