Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Sign US-Brokered Peace Deal

• Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda sign a peace deal.
• Agreement aims to end decades-long conflict in eastern DRC.
• Trump claims the deal includes valuable mineral rights for the US.
• M23 rebel group expresses doubts about the agreement’s effectiveness.
• DRC foreign minister invokes the victims of the conflict during signing.

Peace Agreement Aims to End Long-Standing Conflict

On June 28, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a significant peace agreement, with the backing of US President Donald Trump. This deal is aimed at addressing a brutal conflict that has claimed approximately six million lives over the past thirty years. Trump hailed this as a pivotal moment in history, claiming credit for brokering what he described as a resolution to “one of the worst wars anyone’s ever seen,” while also indicating that the United States was securing valuable mineral rights from the DRC as part of the arrangement.

Skepticism Surrounds Implementation of Deal

Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, doubts about its effectiveness linger. The influential M23 rebel group, which has been a significant player in the ongoing turmoil, has expressed skepticism, suggesting that they do not view the agreement as binding upon themselves. At the signing ceremony in Washington, DRC’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, acknowledged the trauma and suffering of the millions affected by the conflict, emphasizing the need for the deal to bring about genuine change.

Trust Deficits and Future Challenges Loom

Foreign Minister Wagner’s recollection of the conflict’s toll resonated deeply as she signed the agreement alongside Rwanda’s foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, under the watchful eye of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The plan outlines a framework that includes the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern DRC within a stipulated 90-day timeframe, an ambitious timeline that promises to be a challenge to uphold. Nduhungirehe voiced concerns regarding the previous failures to implement earlier accords, stating that “there is no doubt that the road ahead will not be easy,” but expressed hope that with sustained international assistance, this agreement could mark a turning point in relations between the two nations.

In summary, the recent peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered by President Trump, is an important step towards ending decades of conflict, but skepticism remains, particularly from rebel groups. The plan’s success hinges on commitment from all parties, especially regarding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops. As both foreign ministers emphasized, healing the wounds of war will take more than just signatures; it will require genuine dedication to lasting peace.