How Trump Secured Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal, Minerals Included/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced a US-brokered peace deal between Congo and Rwanda, granting America mineral access. Analysts warn the M23 rebels, absent from negotiations, could derail lasting peace in eastern Congo. Local Congolese urge caution, fearing exploitation of mineral wealth and unresolved violence.
Quick Look
- Deal Signed: U.S. brokers peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda.
- Minerals in Focus: Trump touts U.S. gains in Congo’s critical mineral sector.
- Uncertain Future: M23 rebels absent from talks, fueling doubts over peace.
Trump Brokers Congo-Rwanda Deal Amid Mineral Interests
Deep Look
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo was signed Friday in Washington, offering cautious hope for an end to decades of devastating conflict in eastern Congo that has claimed millions of lives.
While President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a diplomatic triumph—and confirmed it secures U.S. access to valuable Congolese minerals—experts warn the deal leaves key questions unanswered. Chief among them: whether Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who were not part of negotiations, will lay down their arms.
“This deal gives the United States a lot of the mineral rights,” Trump said, emphasizing America’s ambition to reduce China’s influence in Africa’s critical minerals sector.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Congo’s and Rwanda’s presidents are expected in Washington within weeks to finalize the full protocol.
Key Details of the Agreement
- The agreement emphasizes respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and an end to mutual support for armed groups.
- Armed fighters could be integrated into Congolese forces after vetting for loyalty, fitness, and human rights records.
- Both nations committed to ensuring humanitarian aid access to over 7 million displaced Congolese civilians.
- A new economic framework aims to boost trade and U.S. investment in minerals central to high-tech manufacturing.
Despite these provisions, the M23 rebels remain a major obstacle. They continue consolidating control in territories seized this year, even establishing administrative structures in occupied cities. Rwanda, while denying direct support, has long faced accusations of backing the rebels to exploit Congo’s minerals.
A UN report in December accused Rwanda of profiting from minerals illegally extracted from M23-held zones. Rwanda has dismissed these claims as unfounded.
Lingering Uncertainty and Local Skepticism
Ordinary Congolese remain wary of promises from distant diplomatic tables. Interviews with residents in the conflict zone reveal skepticism that the U.S.-facilitated deal alone can halt the violence.
“We want peace now, but we don’t want the therapy to be worse than the disease,” said Prince Epenge, a spokesperson for an opposition coalition.
Hangi Muhindo, a resident of Goma, warned against blindly handing over mineral rights in exchange for peace.
“We draw the attention of the Congolese government not to sell the Congo to the Americans just because the United States has supported us in restoring peace,” he said.
Path Forward
The Rwandan foreign minister noted parallel talks in Qatar aimed at brokering a specific settlement between Congo and the M23 rebels. However, M23 leadership has expressed distrust of any agreements negotiated without their involvement.
With the minerals beneath Congo’s soil coveted worldwide and over seven million people displaced by conflict, the stakes are high. The peace deal might signal a step toward stability—or simply another chapter in Congo’s long, troubled history of foreign interventions and internal strife.
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