Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Sign Peace Deal Amid Doubts

• On June 28, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal.
• The peace agreement comes after a conflict that caused six million deaths in eastern DRC.
• President Trump claimed the deal involves significant U.S. mineral rights from Congo.
• The prominent M23 rebel group has cast doubts on the deal’s enforceability.
• Foreign ministers of DRC and Rwanda invoked the suffering of victims in their statements.

Complexities of the Broader Conflict Are Highlighted

On June 28, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda marked a significant, though contentious, milestone by signing a peace deal that U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he brokered. This peace accord is seen as a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC, which tragically has resulted in the loss of six million lives over several decades. Additionally, during his announcement, President Trump highlighted that part of the deal includes substantial mineral rights for the United States from Congo’s rich resources, further complicating perceptions of the agreement’s true intentions.

Uncertainties Clouding Future Peace Efforts

The ink had barely dried on the peace deal before questions about its durability arose, especially in light of the M23 rebel group, which receives backing from Rwanda and remains a major player in the ongoing violence. Notably, the rebels have expressed reluctance to consider the agreement as binding on their actions, raising a red flag about the feasibility of lasting peace in the region. Both the DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe were present for the signing, emphasizing the historical context of suffering and loss that underpins this current endeavor for peace, with Ms. Wagner referencing the expectations of the millions affected by the conflict to honor the commitment made by their leaders.

Road Ahead for DRC and Rwanda Remains Challenging

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a momentous achievement following three decades of brutal conflict. The peace deal commits to a previously agreed framework set in 2024, which aims for Rwandan troops to evacuate eastern DRC within a span of 90 days. Despite this optimistic outlook, Mr. Nduhungirehe highlighted the notable challenges ahead, admitting that past agreements have faltered and that the path forward is fraught with difficulty. His caution underscores a stark reality; while there is hope, the legacy of past failures lingers heavily over this newfound hope for peace in the region, and both nations will need extensive support from allies to navigate this treacherous road.

The newly signed peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda represents a critical attempt to address decades of conflict, although skepticism remains regarding its effectiveness, particularly from the powerful M23 rebel group. With a focus on healing and rebuilding trust, both foreign ministers expressed grave awareness of the burdens borne by the affected populations and highlighted the need for international support to ensure the agreement’s success. Henceforth, this deal serves as a tentative step forward but is clouded by historical challenges and the intricate realities of regional politics.