Trump announces rare earths deal with DRC and Rwanda
US gains access to critical minerals in African nations after leaders sign agreement to end decades-long war
Paul Kagame (left), the president of Rwanda, Donald Trump, and Felix Tshisekedi, the DRC president in Washington, DC on Thursday Credit: Getty Images North America
04 December 2025 10:03pm GMT
Donald Trump signed a peace deal with the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo that will open the African nations’ reserves of critical minerals to American companies
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But there were signs of trouble ahead. Fresh fighting broke out on Thursday between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army.
The ‘Peace Accord’:
President Felix Tshisekedi signed on behalf of the Government of the DRC, and President Paul Kagame signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda. The signing ceremony was attended by Togolese President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé, Angolan President João Lourenço, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Kenyan President William Ruto, African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, Qatari Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Al Khulaifi and Emirati Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.
In addition to the Washington Accords, the following bilateral instruments were signed, hosted by Secretary Rubio:
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Concerning an Expanded Security Partnership
U.S.-Rwanda Framework for Shared Economic Prosperity
The Washington Accords and the initiatives affirmed today represent an internationally shared commitment to transforming the Great Lakes region into a model of peace, stability, and economic opportunity. By addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering trust, and advancing economic cooperation, the DRC and Rwanda are taking bold steps to create a brighter future for their citizens.
The United States remains steadfast in its support for these efforts, recognizing the immense economic potential of the Great Lakes region will only be realized through the full implementation of peace and security commitments.
The conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group involves ongoing fighting primarily in the eastern regions, particularly North Kivu, where M23 has captured significant territories, including the city of Goma. This conflict has roots in historical tensions and has escalated due to issues related to ethnic groups, control of resources, and external influences, particularly from Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23. Council on Foreign Relations BBC
Hustory of the grievances, said to be made worse by ‘external influences’.
Fighting in Congo has killed 7,000 since January, DRC prime minister says
February 24, 20255:48 PM GMTUpdated February 24, 2025
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The latest fighting, and M23’s advance, are part of a major escalation in eastern Congo of a conflict over power, identity and resources dating back to the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s.
Rwanda rejects allegations from Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that it supports M23 rebels with arms and troops.
Suminwa urged the world to act and to impose “dissuasive sanctions” on Rwanda amid mass displacements and summary executions.
“It is impossible to describe the screams and cries of millions of victims of this conflict,” she said.
UN chief Antonio Guterres, at the Geneva meeting, said human rights around the world were being “suffocated” and made reference to horrifying abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“If this question of the violation of territorial integrity isn’t resolved, the situation could degenerate,” Suminwa told Reuters in a press briefing after her address to the Council.
About 40,000 people have fled to Burundi, one of the nine countries that borders the DRC, in two weeks to escape the fighting, the U.N. said on Friday.
Suminwa warned that the worsening security situation with M23 and other armed groups could spill over to neighbouring countries, posing a danger to them.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Miranda Murray and Bernadette Baum
Retired, living in the Scottish Borders after living most of my life in cities in England. I can now indulge my interest in all aspects of living close to nature in a wild landscape. I live on what was once the Iapetus Ocean which took millions of years to travel from the Southern Hemisphere to here in the Northern Hemisphere. That set me thinking and questioning and seeking answers.
In 1998 I co-wrote Millennium Countdown (US)/ A Business Guide to the Year 2000 (UK) see https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780749427917
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