Fri Jun 27 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## US-Brokered Peace Deal Signed for DRC, Rwanda Faces Skepticism

**Washington D.C. -** A peace agreement aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was signed Friday in Washington D.C. by officials from the DRC and Rwanda. The deal, brokered by the United States, has been hailed by former President Donald Trump as a significant step toward peace, though many remain unconvinced it will end the violence.

The conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC involves the M23 militia, allegedly backed by Rwanda, controlling vast territories. The M23, which claims to defend the interests of Congolese Tutsis, has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including summary executions and sexual violence. The conflict has displaced over a million people and claimed over 7,000 lives this year alone.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presided over the signing, emphasizing the Trump administration’s commitment to peace. The agreement includes provisions for “territorial integrity, a prohibition of hostilities,” disengagement of armed groups, and the return of refugees. It also opens the door for U.S. investment in the region’s critical mineral supply chains, with Trump stating the accord allows the U.S. to get “a lot of the mineral rights from the Congo.”

However, the M23 militia has not committed to laying down arms and is participating in separate negotiations mediated by Qatar. Congolese activists and analysts are also skeptical, arguing that the deal fails to address the root causes of the conflict, including colonial-era border disputes, the unequal distribution of mineral wealth, and weak governance in the DRC.

Congolese Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege criticized the deal as “vague” and favoring Rwanda, legitimizing the plundering of Congolese resources. Activist Daniel Kubelwa insists a lasting solution requires accountability, regional truth-telling, and a broad national dialogue.

The DRC, despite its vast mineral wealth, remains one of the poorest nations globally. The country holds the world’s largest reserves of cobalt and coltan, essential for electronics manufacturing. Whether the US-brokered deal can deliver lasting peace and prosperity to the region remains to be seen.

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