Washington Accord: 'Transactional' Trump Bags Congo Deal

Spread love

US Brokers Peace Deal Between Congo and Rwanda to End Decades of Conflict

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 28, 2025 – In a first major gain for his ‘transactional diplomacy’, US President Donald Trump brought the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to commit to peace. This potentially raises hopes for end of decades-long conflicts. Yet, the deal also spotlights fears of “neo-colonial” patter, for the US seeks slices of critical minerals in eastern Congo.

Africa’s oldest conflict, borne out of European powers knifing parts of the continent for their interests, had flared a few months ago after Rwanda-backed M23 Rebels went rampaging into eastern parts of Congo.

Trump called the deal a “glorious triumph.” The agreement, signed by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe at the US State Department, was witnessed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A State Department spokesperson described the signing as a “significant milestone,” emphasizing that “peace on paper must be matched by implementation on the ground” to ensure lasting stability in the Great Lakes region.

Trump, speaking at a White House meeting with the foreign ministers, celebrated the accord as a turning point. “Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity,” he said. The US President also stated that the deal secures significant mineral rights for the US.

Trump also warned of “very severe penalties, financial and otherwise,” for any violations of the agreement. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, whose government initiated the talks by seeking US support, described the deal as a diplomatic triumph. “Another diplomatic success for President Félix Tshisekedi – certainly the most important in over 30 years,” the BBC quoted his office stating ahead of the signing. Tshisekedi previously offered access to Congo’s mineral wealth in exchange for security guarantees, a strategy that aligns with the deal’s economic integration framework, said BBC in a report.

Explained: Festering Great Lakes Crisis between Rwanda & Congo

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been a key figure in the negotiations. Rwandan Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe expressed cautious optimism, noting the agreement’s potential as a “turning point”. He also warned of past failures.

The peace deal was mediated by the US and Qatar. It mandates Rwanda to withdraw its estimated 7,000 troops from eastern Congo within 90 days. Also, a joint security coordination mechanism will be established. Besides, launch of a regional economic framework to attract billions in Western investment, particularly in Congo’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, and tantalum will also be worked out. However, the agreement does not directly involve the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which controls key territories in eastern Congo, raising concerns about its enforceability, said the Globe and Mail in a report.

Stephanie Wolters, a research fellow at the South African Institute of International Affairs, told The Globe and Mail that Rwanda needs to pressure M23 to withdraw from occupied territories. She noted that US diplomatic pressure had previously halted an M23 offensive, but sustained engagement is essential. Lindani Zungu, writing for Al Jazeera, warned that intertwining peace with mineral interests risks perpetuating a “neo-colonial” pattern, where foreign powers exploit Congo’s resources while local populations see little benefit.

The agreement has been dubbed the “Washington Accord” by Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos.