United States President, Donald Trump has hinted at his role in brokering peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claiming credit for a breakthrough deal aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern DRC.
Speaking to reporters in The Hague, Netherlands recently, president Trump was asked why the Russia-Ukraine war had not ended despite his repeated pledges to do so “within 24 hours” of returning to office. In response, he deflected attention to his recent diplomatic efforts in Africa.
“I’ve already ended a war, the one between Rwanda and Congo. That’s something nobody else could do,” Trump said. “You won’t hear it in the news, but it’s a huge win for peace.”
His comments came days after Rwanda and the DRC announced, in a joint statement, that they had initialled a draft peace agreement following three days of negotiations in Washington, D.C.
The deal, which builds on an earlier declaration signed in April, is set to be formally signed on June 27, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to witness the signing.
“This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The draft agreement includes provisions for the disarmament of armed groups, reintegration of rebels, and the safe return of displaced persons.
The U.S. State Department described the talks as “constructive dialogue” focused on political, security, and economic stability in the region.
The eastern DRC has suffered from persistent violence for decades, driven by armed groups seeking control of the area’s rich mineral deposits.
The crisis escalated further when the M23 rebel group, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, a claim Kigali denies, seized control of key territories including Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.
Afrocover, in a recent report said Amnesty International and other rights groups have accused M23 of committing serious human rights abuses, including torture and killings.
In addition, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk also recently condemned abuses by all parties involved, including Congolese government forces and allied militias.
As part of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, special envoy Massad Boulos visited both Kigali and Kinshasa in April to push for a ceasefire and urge Rwanda to withdraw support for M23.
Read also: Amnesty International accuses M23 rebels of war crimes in Eastern Congo
The U.S. hopes that stabilizing the region will open the door for large-scale investment in eastern DRC’s mineral resources, which include cobalt, copper, gold, and lithium
Moreso, secretary, Rubio described the dual goals of peace and economic opportunity as a “win-win.”
Despite six previous failed truce attempts since 2021, Trump remains optimistic about this new deal.
“It’s not just about Africa. Peace anywhere is peace everywhere,” he said. “But don’t expect a Nobel Prize, I’m not holding my breath.”
Meanwhile, the peace deal is set to be formally signed in Washington on June 27.
