Sat Jun 28 03:17:33 UTC 2025: **Headline: US-Brokered Peace Deal Signed Between Congo and Rwanda Amid Mineral Resource Concerns**

**Washington D.C. -** In a ceremony at the White House on Friday, June 27, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-facilitated peace agreement aimed at ending decades of deadly conflict in eastern Congo. The deal, overseen by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also seeks to secure access to crucial minerals for the U.S. government and American companies, a move analysts see as a play to counter China’s influence in Africa.

The agreement, signed beneath a portrait of Colin Powell, the first African American Secretary of State, addresses territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, and the disarmament of non-state armed groups. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, while expressing optimism, acknowledged the challenges ahead in ensuring the agreement’s success.

“Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace,” President Trump stated during the meeting.

While hailed as a turning point, the deal faces skepticism due to the exclusion of the M23 rebel group, a major player in the conflict. The M23 has suggested the agreement is not binding on them, raising doubts about its effectiveness. Many Congolese observers see the deal primarily as an opportunity for the U.S. to gain access to the region’s vast mineral wealth, estimated at $24 trillion, following Congo’s request for U.S. assistance in combating rebels.

Mr. Nduhungirehe noted the great deal of uncertainty’ because previous agreements were not put in place.

“There is no doubt that the road ahead will not be easy,” he said. “But with the continued support of the United States and other partners, we believe that a turning point has been reached.”

The agreement also involves Qatar, which has been working to facilitate the deal at the request of the U.S. While the deal aims to achieve peace, the pursuit of critical minerals by the US remains as one of the most important aspect.

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