Historic treaty ends conflict and opens mineral access for US.
In a significant diplomatic move, United States President Donald Trump has facilitated a historic agreement between the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The treaty, signed on Thursday in Washington, aims to bring a halt to three decades of bloodshed while simultaneously opening the door for American businesses to access the region’s vast wealth of critical minerals.
President Trump stood alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi as they formalized the pact. Trump hailed the occasion as a monumental moment, describing it as an "amazing day" for both Africa and the global community. He emphasized that the agreement paves the way for stability in a region that, while resource-rich, has been heavily scarred by violence.
A central component of this diplomatic breakthrough is the economic interest of the United States. President Trump was transparent about the strategic benefits, noting that the deal grants Washington access to the area's rare earth minerals. He stated that major American corporations would soon be operating in the two nations to extract assets, a move he claimed would generate significant revenue for all parties involved. The region is known globally as a powerhouse for copper, cobalt, gold, and other essential resources used in modern technology.
Despite the optimism in the White House, the reality on the ground remains complex. While a preliminary agreement was reached earlier in June, violence has persisted. Specifically, M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda, have recently seized control of major cities in eastern Congo, including Bukavu and Goma.
Both African leaders expressed a realistic outlook regarding the implementation of the peace treaty. President Kagame made it clear that the burden of success lies with the African nations themselves, not the US administration. He acknowledged that there would be obstacles but assured the world of Rwanda's commitment. Similarly, President Tshisekedi described the deal as a "turning point," admitting that the path to genuine peace would be demanding and difficult.
The conflict in this region has deep historical roots, tracing back to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The flight of Hutu militias into the Congo sparked security crises that have festered for years, leading to a cycle of accusations between Kinshasa and Kigali regarding the support of various armed rebel factions.
