Trump’s Rwanda–DRC Breakthrough: Peace at Last—But at What Cost?

 

It felt like a historic moment yesterday: the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace and economic-integration agreement brokered by Donald Trump, the President of the United States. This deal, the first of its kind between the two countries in recent times, may open a new chapter for the embattled eastern DRC, long wracked by ethnic violence and instability.

Historical Context: Why the Deal Matters

For decades, the eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict and foreign interference. A key actor in this has been M23 (the March 23 Movement), a rebel group that initially rose up in 2012. The group emerged after a splinter of the former rebel group CNDP accused the DRC government of reneging on a 2009 deal. M23 rapidly seized key territory, including the provincial city of Goma, forcing thousands, if not millions, to flee. Eventually, international pressure and military counteroffensives, including by a UN-backed force, dislodged the rebels. By late 2013, M23 was largely defeated, its fighters dispersed or fleeing into neighboring countries.

But the peace proved fragile. M23 remained dormant for years only to return in 2021, launching a new campaign in 2022. Within months, the rebels seized territory again, leading to renewed offensives, massive displacement, and widespread suffering. Civilians bore the brunt of fighting; the conflict has contributed to one of the largest humanitarian tragedies in the region.

At the same time, numerous other armed groups proliferated across eastern DRC. Over 100 groups now operate in the region, often vying for control of territory and mineral-rich zones.

Past Peace Efforts—and Why They Failed

Over the years, various attempts at peace have been led by regional actors. Negotiations and initiatives under regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) sought to address the conflict. Kenya played a pivotal role: the so-called Nairobi Process attempted to mediate, and the EAC even deployed a regional force (EACRF) to the eastern DRC.

When that failed to stop violence, partly because the regional force lacked a mandate to confront rebel fighters, the focus shifted to the southern regional bloc, Southern African Development Community (SADC). Plans for deployment of forces under SADC were delayed by funding and logistical problems.

Despite all these efforts, the fighting persisted. Ceasefires were violated, armed groups regrouped and rebranded, and civilian suffering continued, often because agreements lacked enforcement and vital actors (notably M23) remained outside negotiations.

The New Deal: Breakthrough — but With Big Questions

What was signed yesterday, the Washington Accords, is being hailed as historic. Under the agreement, Rwanda commits to withdrawing its troops from eastern DRC and to end support for proxy militias, while the DRC pledges to dismantle certain armed groups (notably FDLR, linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide). The deal also includes a framework for economic integration, joint security coordination, and cooperation in mining, hydro-electric power and infrastructure projects.

For many, this moment offers a glimmer of hope: perhaps this time, the cycle of violence can finally end and a path to stability be laid down.

But there is reason for caution. Importantly, M23, the rebel group central to the conflict, was not itself party to the agreement. Analysts warn this omission undermines the deal’s ability to bring peace to the ground.

Exploiting the Minerals

Another controversial dimension of the deal is its economic side: the agreement paves the way for joint mineral-extraction ventures, and U.S. interest in the DRC’s vast critical mineral reserves is well-documented. In his speech, Trump said that as part of the deal, the U.S. aims to gain access to mineral-rich areas and rare earth minerals used globally in electronics and defense industries.

While this could bring revenue opportunities, it also raises a familiar concern: will extraction significantly benefit local economies or simply replicate the pattern of resource exploitation with little lasting gain for Congo or Rwanda? If the revenue flows outwards and environmental or social impacts are ignored, local communities may be shortchanged.

This concern resonates beyond the DRC: in countries like Kenya, where mineral deposits (for example, at Mrima Hill) have recently drawn interest, there is a real risk that history will repeat itself—lots of extraction, little sustainable development.

What Now? Hope — but Only Time Will Tell

So, yesterday’s peace deal is undeniably momentous, perhaps historic. It offers hope for an end to decades of bloodshed in the eastern DRC, and a chance for a more stable, economically integrated future.

Yet, much depends on implementation. Will Rwanda truly withdraw troops? Will the DRC dismantle armed groups? Can M23 be persuaded to lay down arms and join talks? Will mineral wealth be managed responsibly, for the benefit of ordinary citizens, and not simply serve foreign interests?

If this deal works, it could mark a turning point. But it may still be a matter of time before the real test comes. Meanwhile, as we celebrate, we must also remember other humanitarian crises in Africa, for example, in Sudan, where war has dragged on for 2 years now, and women, men, and children continue to suffer tremendously. Peace for one region must also not make us blind to conflicts elsewhere.