In a landmark ceremony in Washington, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal on Friday, raising hopes of ending the brutal fighting that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year.
The agreement, hailed as a turning point by Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, commits both sides to withdraw troops from eastern DRC within 90 days and launch a regional economic integration framework to unlock billions in investment across tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals.
At the signing event, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart to endorse the deal, known informally as the Washington Accord. The pact also includes letters from U.S. President Donald Trump inviting DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to Washington for a high-level follow-up in the coming months.
The stakes are high: eastern Congo is home to some of the world's most coveted minerals, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Investors have long been cautious in the region due to insecurity and logistical hurdles, but a lasting peace could pave the way for sustainable development and new opportunities for local communities.
DRC Foreign Minister Wagner emphasized that implementation is key. She said this deal must be followed by real disengagement on the ground, echoing calls for swift action. President Trump underscored the U.S. commitment to enforcement, warning of very severe penalties, financial and otherwise, if the agreement is violated.
While past agreements have faltered, stakeholders are hopeful that this pact's business-friendly approach and U.S. backing will keep momentum alive. For young global citizens, business leaders and travelers alike, the outcome could reshape the future of central Africa's stability and its critical role in the global supply chain.
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Rwanda, DR Congo sign U.S.-brokered peace deal to end fighting
cgtn.com
