Trump Celebrates U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Between Rwanda and Congo

In a recent announcement, President Trump expressed pride as the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, historically rivals, have come together to sign a peace agreement facilitated by the U.S.

This deal was formalized at a ceremony held at the newly named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, where Trump emphasized the significant progress made by both nations.

“They spent a lot of time killing each other, and now they’re going to spend a lot of time just like any other country, hugging and holding hands and taking advantage of the United States economically,” he remarked about the two leaders.

Referred to as the “Washington Accord,” the agreement follows a peace process that began earlier in June, when foreign ministers from both countries signed an agreement aimed at stopping the violence.

At the event, President Felix Shisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda endorsed the deal. Leaders from several neighboring countries, including Angola, Burundi, Kenya, Togo, and Uganda, were also in attendance.

Trump detailed that the Washington Accords formalize commitments made earlier, such as a permanent cease-fire, disarmament of militia, the repatriation of refugees, and a push for accountability regarding past atrocities.

However, a reporter from Angolan state television questioned Trump about the timeline for Rwandan troops withdrawing from Congo, suggesting that violence remained ongoing. Trump replied cautiously, saying, “We’ll see the situation soon, and we’ll see what happens. These two gentlemen are leaders. They’ll prove that in the months and years to come.”

Reported clashes were noted on the same day, indicating continued unrest between the Congolese government and rebel groups allegedly supported by Rwanda.

These two nations have experienced conflict for nearly three decades, dating back to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Trump has claimed his diplomatic efforts are part of a larger pattern of resolving conflicts during his second term.

Kagame expressed gratitude to Trump, stating, “No one asked President Trump to take on this mission. Our region is far from the headlines, but the president saw an opportunity to contribute to peace and immediately took it on.” He added that past mediation attempts had failed, but Trump’s approach could lead to meaningful progress.

Tshisekedi echoed this sentiment, indicating a cautious yet hopeful outlook. “The Washington Accords are not yet a new document. This represents a turning point… We remain cautious and cautious, but not pessimistic. We remain clear-eyed but resolutely optimistic,” he said.