Trump Brokers Congo Peace Deal Amidst Ongoing Violence, Eyes Critical Minerals
A controversial peace agreement aimed at resolving the decades-long conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo was signed by the United States, Rwanda, and the DRC, even as reports of continued fighting cast doubt on its immediate effectiveness. The deal, brokered by former President Donald Trump, is also linked to potential US access to vital mineral resources in the region.
A Fragile Accord
United States President Donald Trump hosted Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Washington on Friday AEDT, where they formalized the agreement. Trump expressed optimism, stating, “I think it’s going to be a great miracle,” following the signing ceremony held at a peace institute recently renamed in his honor. He characterized the shift in relations between the two African leaders as moving “from killing each other to hugging, holding hands and taking advantage of the United States of America economically, like every other country does.”
However, both Kagame and Tshisekedi adopted a more reserved tone. Fighting continued in eastern DRC, where the M23 armed group – reportedly backed by Rwanda, according to the United Nations – has been making territorial gains against government forces. Kagame acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “There will be ups and downs on the road ahead, there is no doubt about it.” Tshisekedi described the agreement as “the beginning of a new path, a demanding path.”
Motivations and Mineral Wealth
Trump has repeatedly claimed success in resolving international conflicts, asserting that the DRC conflict is among the eight wars he has ended since taking office in January. He has also openly expressed a desire to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
A key driver behind the agreement appears to be securing access to the DRC’s abundant reserves of critical minerals, essential components in modern technologies like electric vehicles. Trump stated the US intends to “take out some of the rare earth,” anticipating significant economic benefits. This deal follows a pattern of similar agreements negotiated by Trump to secure US access to rare earth minerals, including in Ukraine.
Ceasefire Violations and Continued Conflict
The signing represents a renewed effort to end the conflict, following a previous agreement reached more than five months ago between the countries’ foreign ministers and Trump. After that initial agreement, the M23 and the DRC government pledged a ceasefire mediated by US partner Qatar, but accusations of violations quickly emerged from both sides.
Despite the pledges, violence persisted even on the day of the latest signing. An Agence France-Presse journalist reported hearing gunfire near Kamanyola, a town in South Kivu province controlled by the M23, close to the borders of Rwanda and Burundi. A local administrative official reported, “Many houses have been bombed, and there are many dead” in Kaziba, another M23-controlled town. Fighter jets reportedly bombarded Kaziba again on Thursday morning, according to a local civil society representative who requested anonymity.
The long-term viability of this peace deal remains uncertain, given the ongoing hostilities and the complex geopolitical interests at play. The agreement’s success will depend on sustained commitment from all parties and a genuine effort to address the root causes of the conflict.
