9 months ago
Trump signs peace deal with Rwanda, DR Congo
President Trump met with the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to sign a peace agreement.
This happened in Washington at a special building named after Trump.
The agreement is supposed to help end a long fight in a part of the DRC where there are important minerals like cobalt, copper, and gold.
These minerals are used in things like electric cars.
However, even as they signed the agreement, there was still fighting in the DRC.
A group called M23, which some say is supported by Rwanda, has been taking over towns.
The leaders hope this agreement will bring peace and help the countries work together economically.
But for now, the fighting continues, and it's not clear if the agreement will stop it.
The US wants to get these minerals and counter China's influence in the region.
President Trump hosted Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi at the White House to sign a peace and economic agreement.
The agreement aims to end the conflict in eastern DRC and facilitate US access to critical minerals like cobalt, copper, and gold.
Despite the agreement, intense fighting continues in eastern DRC, with the M23 group gaining ground and accusing government troops of bombing civilian areas.
The Congolese government blames M23 and Rwanda for the continued fighting, while Rwanda denies backing M23 and claims self-defense against ethnic Hutu militiamen.
The Trump administration hopes the deal will facilitate billions of dollars of Western investment in the region's rich mineral resources.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, President Paul Kagame (Rwanda), President Felix Tshisekedi (DR Congo)
- What
- Signing of a peace and economic agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo
- Where
- Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, Washington
- When
- Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Why
- To end the conflict in eastern DRC, facilitate US access to critical minerals, and promote economic partnerships
Rwandan Government
Congolese Government and M23
M23 Rebel Group
Rwandan Government
Rwanda denies backing M23, claiming self-defense against ethnic Hutu militiamen.
Congolese Government and M23
The Congolese government blames M23 and Rwanda for the continued fighting, accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels.
Conflict Resolution
Rwandan Government
Rwanda asserts that U.S. diplomacy has created space for breakthroughs in resolving the conflict.
Congolese Government and M23
The Congolese government and M23 accuse each other of violating ceasefire agreements, with M23 continuing to seize territory.
Key facts
- Presidents Involved
- Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Felix Tshisekedi (DR Congo)
- Location of Signing
- Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, Washington
- Key Minerals in DRC
- Cobalt, Copper, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, Gold, Lithium
- Conflict Region
- Eastern DRC
- M23 Controlled Towns
- Kamanyola, Kaziba, Goma, Bukavu
- Rwandan Demand
- Neutralization of FDLR
- US Motivation
- Access to critical minerals, countering Chinese dominance
Timeline
U.S. pressures Rwanda, DRC for June peace deal.
Then, ceasefire, disarmament agreed.
Presidents commit to Washington signing.
Trump inks deal on December 4, 2025.
Conflict in mineral-rich region ends.
Quotes
Lawrence Kanyuka
Spokesperson for AFC/M23
“Forces loyal to the Congolese government continued their relentless attacks on densely populated areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, using fighter jets, drones and heavy artillery.”
theprint.in
“Numerous homes have been destroyed, and women as well as children have tragically lost their lives.”
theprint.in
Congolese army spokesperson
Spokesperson for the Congolese army
“There is population displacement in Luvungi due to Rwandan Defence Force bombardment. They are bombing blindly.”
theprint.in
Senior AFC/M23 official
Senior official of the AFC/M23 rebel group
“The war continues on the ground and has no connection with the signing of the agreement that took place yesterday in Washington.”
theprint.in
Sources
Trump seals Congo–Rwanda peace deal, unlocks critical minerals for US
Congo, Rwanda leaders affirm commitment to Trump-backed peace deal
Trump Strikes DRC Congo–Rwanda Deal to Unlock Critical Minerals | Here's Everything You Need To Know
Trump to sign Rwanda, DR Congo agreement. Details inside
Congo, Rwanda leaders affirm commitment to Trump-backed peace deal
Trump Seals Rwanda, Congo Peace Deal; Unlocks Rare Earth Minerals For US
Congo fighting flares within hours of Trump’s peace deal ceremony
Trump, Rwanda and DR Congo leaders sign peace deal. All about it
