Trump to host signing of peace deal between leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda

December 4, 2025

The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are meeting in Washington for a US-hosted summit where they will sign a peace agreement intended to resolve their prolonged regional conflict. The timing is particularly fraught as fighting has intensified in eastern DR Congo between government forces and M23 rebels, whom UN experts say are effectively controlled by Rwanda's military, despite Rwandan denials. The Trump administration has taken the lead in mediating these negotiations, motivated partly by America's interest in accessing the region's valuable mineral deposits, estimated at $25 trillion and including resources critical for electronics and military equipment.

Who is affected

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda
M23 rebels operating in eastern DR Congo
DR Congo government forces and army
Thousands of civilians killed and displaced from their homes in eastern DR Congo
Burundian forces supporting DR Congo's army
FDLR militia group (includes fighters from the 1994 Rwandan genocide)
Leaders from Burundi, Qatar, and other African and Arab nations attending the ceremony
United States government and potential American investors

What action is being taken

The leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda are signing a peace deal in Washington
Fighting is escalating in eastern DR Congo between government forces and M23 rebels
M23 rebels are participating in separate peace talks with DR Congo's government led by Qatar
Qatar and the US are coordinating their mediation efforts
Burundi has troops deployed in eastern DR Congo supporting the army

Why it matters

This conflict matters because it affects regional stability in central Africa and has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement of civilians. The region contains an estimated $25 trillion in critical mineral reserves, including cobalt, copper, lithium, and other materials essential for modern technology, electric vehicles, and military hardware. The peace deal could potentially open pathways for increased US investment and economic cooperation between DR Congo and Rwanda on hydroelectric power, mining, and infrastructure. However, the failure to achieve lasting peace perpetuates humanitarian suffering and prevents the region from benefiting economically from its vast natural resources.

What's next

Tshisekedi and Kagame will endorse the peace accord at the signing ceremony
DR Congo has stated it will not advance on economic agreements until Rwandan troops withdraw from eastern DR Congo
The peace deal includes conditions requiring the disarmament of the FDLR militia and withdrawal of Rwandan troops
M23 talks with DR Congo's government will continue in the Qatar-led parallel peace process

Read full article from source: BBC