DRC and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Mediated Peace Agreement to End Decades of Conflict

On June 27, 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement in Washington, D.C., aiming to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo. The accord was signed by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessing the event.

The agreement outlines several key provisions:

• Withdrawal of Rwandan Troops: Rwanda committed to withdrawing its troops from eastern DRC within 90 days.

• Joint Security Coordination Mechanism: Both nations agreed to establish a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days to oversee the withdrawal and address security concerns.

• Regional Economic Integration Framework: A framework for regional economic integration is to be launched within 90 days, aiming to attract Western investment in the mineral-rich region.

• Disarmament of Non-State Armed Groups: The agreement addresses the disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

The eastern DRC has been plagued by instability since the 1990s, following the influx of refugees from the Rwandan Civil War. Over 100 armed groups operate in the region, with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group being particularly prominent. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of millions and the displacement of over 7 million people.

The peace deal was facilitated by the United States, with contributions from Qatar, the African Union, and Angola. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a "glorious triumph," emphasizing its potential to bring stability to the region and unlock economic opportunities.

Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, challenges remain, particularly concerning the exclusion of the M23 rebel group from the negotiations. Analysts have expressed skepticism about the deal's effectiveness without the involvement of all key stakeholders.

On August 1, 2025, Rwanda and the DRC held the first meeting of their joint oversight committee in Washington, marking progress in implementing the peace agreement. However, the security mechanism has yet to convene, and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and attacks on the FDLR have not begun. Despite these delays, U.S. officials maintain that the agreement is still on track, though sources acknowledge slowed progress.

The DRC is rich in critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium, essential for advanced technologies. The peace agreement is seen as strategically crucial for linking peace with economic growth through secure, de-risked mineral supply chains. The U.S. has expressed interest in gaining access to these mineral rights as part of the deal, aiming to counter Chinese influence in the region.

This peace agreement marks a significant diplomatic effort to resolve one of Africa's most protracted conflicts. While the accord offers hope for lasting peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region, its success will depend on the commitment of all parties to implement its provisions and address the challenges ahead.