paul kagame
Leaders of the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-brokered peace and economic accord signed in Washington, calling it a fresh start for cooperation. Yet, ongoing clashes between government forces and the rebel group M23 cast doubt on whether the agreement will bring lasting stability.
The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have renewed their commitment to a U.S.-brokered peace and economic cooperation agreement, even as fighting continues in eastern Congo. The accord, signed in Washington and backed by the administration of U.S. President Donald J Trump, is intended to ease long-standing tensions, stabilise conflict areas, and open the door to shared economic opportunities between the two nations.
At the signing ceremony, held at the U.S. Institute of Peace, both President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame reaffirmed the deal as a turning point. They described it as a fresh commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and collaboration on critical mineral development. Washington hailed the agreement as a key diplomatic achievement, saying it could reshape relations between the neighbours after years of mistrust.
Kagame said the agreement represented a “new beginning,” while Tshisekedi framed it as a sincere pledge to honour obligations that could unlock long-term development. The deal includes provisions for security cooperation, improved border management and a framework for future economic partnerships.
However, optimism in diplomatic circles contrasts sharply with the situation on the ground. As the leaders signed the pact, clashes between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group continued in eastern DRC. Reports of renewed fighting and civilian casualties highlighted the fragility of any progress and raised questions about how quickly the agreement can translate into real improvements for affected communities.
Human rights advocates and regional analysts have also warned that the economic components of the deal, particularly those linked to Congo’s vast reserves of critical minerals, must not overshadow the urgent need for safety, justice and demobilisation of armed groups. They argue that peace built solely on political agreements, without addressing humanitarian needs, risks repeating past failures.
