Trump called the planned deal between Rwanda and DR Congo “a great day for Africa”
President Donald Trump of the United States has called the impending signature of a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo “a great day for Africa.”
U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos wrote on X that Trump was thrilled to have played a part in bringing about the deal, which is anticipated to be inked next week in Washington, D.C.
He added, “I am delighted to announce that I, in collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have negotiated a fantastic agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda.”
“This is a fantastic day for Africa and, to be honest, the entire world!”
Technical teams from Rwanda and DR Congo completed a draft of the agreement, which is set to be signed by the nations’ foreign ministers next week, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday, June 18, in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Department of State noted in the statement that Qatar, which has been spearheading another peace effort, took part in the U.S.-led negotiations as an observer.
After both nations’ foreign ministers signed a Declaration of Principles on April 25, it was once anticipated that Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi would sign the peace agreement at the White House in mid-June. However, the signing was delayed since it took longer to come to a thorough, practical, and mutually agreeable peace deal.
The declaration claims that economic, security, and political concerns are all covered by the pact.
Respect for territorial integrity, a ban on hostilities, disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups are among the agreement’s main clauses. Another is the creation of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism that incorporates the October 31, 2024, Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
A framework for regional economic integration, enhanced humanitarian access, and the facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) are also included.
Following the AFC/M23 rebel organization’s victory over a Congolese government alliance that included the murderous FDLR militia earlier this year, efforts to end the decades-long conflict gained impetus. The group took control of two key cities in eastern DR Congo. The latter, supported by Kinshasa, was established almost thirty years ago by surviving members of the Rwandan Genocide masterminds against the Tutsi in 1994.
The group has been suspected of carrying out assaults on Rwanda and disseminating genocidal ideas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has been classified as a terrorist organization by both the United Nations and the United States.
Kigali contends that it has taken the required defensive actions to address FDLR threats and DR Congo’s declared goal of destabilizing Rwanda, while DR Congo accuses Rwanda of aiding the AFC/M23 rebels.
Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi met in Qatar in April to discuss the issue. Since then, Qatar has also served as a mediator in talks between M23 and DR Congo, which resulted in a cease-fire agreement.
