The deal has been touted as an important step toward peace in Congo, where conflict has killed millions since the 1990s
| Published June 28, 2025
The two countries sealed a deal which could bring peace to the war-battered region of eastern DR Congo. US Secretary of State Rubio called the agreement “an important moment.”
On June 27, 2025, in Washington D.C., the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a landmark peace agreement—labeled the “Washington Accord”—in a high-profile U.S.-brokered ceremony that brought renewed optimism to a conflict-ridden region.
🤝 Key Provisions of the Deal
Security & Military Withdrawal
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Rwanda pledges to withdraw around 4,000–7,000 troops from eastern Congo within 90 days, replacing military presence with a joint security mechanism involving both governments, the U.S., and Qatar.
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Both nations commit to cease all support for non-state armed groups—DRC against the FDLR, and Rwanda against M23.
Humanitarian & Political Commitments
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The accord calls for refugee and displaced‑people returns, humanitarian access, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Economic Integration & U.S. Mineral Access
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A framework for regional economic integration aimed at formalizing mineral supply chains—including cobalt, gold, lithium, tantalum—is to be launched within 90 days.
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In return, the U.S. secures access and investment deals tied to Congo’s critical minerals, countering China’s influence in Africa.
Perspectives From the Field
Donald Trump:
Standing in the Oval Office, Trump heralded the deal as “a new chapter of hope,” emphasizing that “the violence and destruction comes to an end” while personally taking credit for brokering the peace and securing U.S. mineral rights. He promised “very severe penalties” if either side reneges.
Secretary of State Rubio & Senior Envoy Massad Boulos:
Rubio spoke of the deal as “an important moment after 30 years of war,” and Boulos labeled the agreement the “Washington Accord,” noting that final economic agreements involving U.S. investors would unfold after progress in Doha talks.
African Foreign Ministers:
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Olivier Nduhungirehe (Rwanda): Called it a “turning point,” though he stressed the need for irreversible, verifiable troop withdrawal.
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Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner (DRC): Reminded everyone that “our work truly begins now,” highlighting the importance of disengagement, justice, and stability for displaced populations.
Hurdles Ahead
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Implementation and Verification
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Success hinges on U.S. and Qatar presiding over troop withdrawal, demobilization, and security coordination
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Exclusion of Rebel Groups
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M23 and other armed groups weren’t signatories. M23 has disavowed the deal, and may not respect it.
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Economic vs. Humanitarian Concerns
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The alignment with mineral resource deals has raised alarms about potential neo-colonial exploitation; critics warn that peace tied only to resource access may not be durable.
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Implications
🔹 1. Regional Stability in Central Africa
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Positive: If upheld, the deal could bring an end to decades of cross-border conflict, mass displacement, and rebel insurgencies—especially in eastern Congo, a region plagued by violence.
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Risk: Without the buy-in of armed groups like M23 or the FDLR, some violence may persist even as state actors stand down.
🔹 2. U.S. Strategic Influence
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Gain: This enhances U.S. geopolitical leverage in Africa, especially over critical minerals like cobalt and lithium—vital for batteries, EVs, and defense tech.
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Counter to China: The deal directly challenges Chinese dominance in African mining sectors by promoting transparent supply chains and U.S.-Africa investment.
🔹 3. Economic Integration vs. Exploitation
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Opportunity: The push for regional economic frameworks could spur development, infrastructure growth, and legal trade corridors.
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Concern: Critics warn that tying peace to mineral extraction could foster resource dependency, revive “neo-colonial” exploitation, or shift conflict to economic fronts.
🔹 4. Political Capital for Trump
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Domestic Impact: Trump positions himself as a global peacemaker ahead of the 2024 U.S. election cycle, contrasting this achievement with past administrations’ inertia in Africa.
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Foreign Perception: Some African leaders may view the deal as transactional or U.S.-centric, especially if peace enforcement is tied to U.S. penalties or military oversight.
🔹 5. Humanitarian Implications
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Hope: Opens the door for refugee returns, resettlement, and reduced risk of war crimes in the region.
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Challenge: Successful implementation depends on whether joint monitoring can actually protect civilians and prevent reprisals.
Overall Takeaway:
The Washington Accord between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda marks a defining moment—not just for Africa, but for American diplomacy under Donald Trump. At a time when global tensions are high and cynicism about peace is widespread, President Trump delivered what many thought impossible: a verifiable, strategic ceasefire between two long-feuding nations. By leveraging economic opportunity, hard-nosed negotiation, and strong American leadership, Trump demonstrated that peace through strength isn’t just a slogan—it’s a policy with real-world impact.
This deal not only restores hope to a region torn by violence but secures U.S. access to critical minerals, curbing China’s influence and reinforcing America’s leadership on the world stage. In doing so, Trump has reshaped the narrative around foreign policy, proving once again that bold leadership and direct engagement can achieve what bureaucratic diplomacy cannot.
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