Finalized Peace Deal Signed Between DR Congo and Rwanda in Washington

Wed Oct 22 2025 13:36:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The long-awaited peace agreement aims to end decades of conflict while also offering the U.S. potential access to valuable minerals.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have formalized a peace agreement in Washington, which focuses on disarmament, disengagement of armed groups, and potential U.S. mineral access. Although previous agreements have failed, this pact is being communicated as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, despite lingering doubts and unanswered questions about its implementation.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have inked a peace agreement in Washington, targeting an end to long-standing conflict between the neighboring nations and opening the door for possible U.S. access to critical mineral resources. The deal emphasizes the disarmament and disengagement of armed factions operating in eastern DRC. Although comprehensive details remain limited, and past attempts at peace have often faltered, the signing of this agreement was hailed as a historic milestone by the U.S. and DRC leadership.

President Donald Trump celebrated the initial agreement on his social media platform, calling it a "great day for Africa and... a great day for the world!" The DRC President Félix Tshisekedi's office echoed this sentiment, labeling the agreement a breakthrough in over three decades of diplomatic efforts.

The agreement was signed by the foreign ministers of both nations at the U.S. State Department, as both parties explore the possibility of an upcoming meeting between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The renewed hostilities this year saw M23 rebels seize large areas in eastern DRC, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands dead and many more displaced.

While the DRC has sought U.S. support in exchange for mineral access, tensions between the two countries remain. Rwanda insists that its military presence is driven by defense motives against armed groups targeting its borders. Meanwhile, accusations persist regarding Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, which Kigali denies.

The peace deal contains provisions requiring "respect for territorial integrity" and aims to facilitate the return of displaced individuals. However, disagreements remain on the withdrawal timeline for Rwandan troops currently stationed in eastern DRC. The Congolese side sought an immediate exit, yet discussions yielded no firm commitments.

The terminology around troop withdrawal has sparked debate, with Rwanda's foreign minister emphasizing that the agreement does not explicitly state troop removal. Hours before finalizing the deal, Tshisekedi's office stated that while the wording specifies "disengagement" rather than "withdrawal", it still encompasses a broad range of military movement.

Key questions linger in the aftermath of the signing: Will M23 rebels retreat from occupied regions? Will Rwanda's acknowledgment of troops lead to their withdrawal? And crucially, how will the disarmament of armed groups like the FDLR be approached moving forward? Prior attempts at demobilization have failed, raising concerns about the feasibility of the current agreement.

Today’s events mark a new chapter in a conflict deeply rooted in historical grievances and political challenges, yet skepticism about the pact's viability remains predominant as it awaits clarity on its implementation.