Big Story! Historic Kagame–Tshisekedi Peace Deal Signed In Washington; Trump Announces Mega Investment Push In E.Africa

By Frank Kamuntu

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed a landmark peace agreement in Washington, D.C., raising hopes for a decisive end to 30 years of conflict that has devastated Eastern Congo and destabilised the wider Great Lakes region. The accord, signed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, was witnessed and strongly endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who hosted the ceremony.

The agreement formalises commitments first negotiated in June and seeks to address the root causes of one of Africa’s deadliest conflicts. It includes provisions for a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of non-state armed groups, the safe return of refugees, accountability for atrocities, and a new framework for regional economic cooperation.

Calling it “an amazing day” and “a great day for Africa,” President Trump praised both leaders, expressing confidence that the accord would be upheld. “They have so much to be proud of,” he said.

The deal arrives amid renewed fighting in Eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group long accused of receiving support from Rwanda has captured strategic territory and displaced thousands. The violence had fuelled fears of a return to the large-scale regional wars of the late 1990s, which killed millions.

Under the new agreement, Rwanda has committed to ending any support for M23, while Congo has pledged to help neutralise Hutu militias, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose origins trace back to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

Both nations also reaffirmed respect for each other’s territorial integrity.

President Tshisekedi described the pact as a “turning point”, saying it “brings together principles of a peace agreement with a framework for regional economic integration,” offering “a new era of friendship, cooperation and prosperity.”

President Kagame called the Washington accord the “most practical and credible” attempt yet to end the long-running conflict but cautioned that implementation would require patience. “There will be ups and downs on the road ahead,” he said. “Rwanda will not be found wanting.”

Regional Leaders Welcome The Breakthrough

The signing was attended by several African leaders involved in diplomatic efforts.

• Angolan President João Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union, lamented the suffering caused by decades of conflict between “brother nations.”
• Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye stressed his country’s preference for dialogue, saying Burundi has “no intention of attacking neighbouring Rwanda.”
• Kenyan President William Ruto praised the agreement as a catalyst for unlocking Eastern Congo’s vast economic potential, noting that integrated regional infrastructure and the African Continental Free Trade Area could drive “unprecedented transformation.”

U.S. Economic Partnerships Announced

President Trump also announced that the United States would sign bilateral agreements with both Rwanda and the DRC to purchase rare earth minerals, critical for advanced technology industries. American companies, he said, would soon begin investment missions to both countries.

“We’re going to take out some of the rare earth, take out some of the assets and pay. Everybody is going to make a lot of money,” Trump remarked.

Hope Mixed With Caution

Despite the optimism in Washington, realities on the ground remain tense. Fighting continues in parts of Eastern Congo, and many residents remain sceptical.

“We are still at war,” said Amani Chibalonza Edith, a resident of Goma. “There can be no peace as long as the front lines remain active.”

Analysts say the success of the deal will depend not only on political will but also on sustained pressure from regional actors and the international community.

Still, the Washington signing marks one of the most significant diplomatic efforts in years to resolve one of Africa’s most protracted crises. President Trump expressed optimism: “We’ll see how it all works out, but I think it’s going to work out really great.”

The agreement now enters a crucial implementation phase one that will determine whether Eastern Congo finally moves toward lasting peace after decades of conflict. Trump, Kagame, Tshisekedi,