Congo and Rwanda Set to Sign U.S.-Backed Peace Accord

Congo and Rwanda are poised to sign a landmark agreement in the United States this Friday aimed at restoring peace and fostering economic development, according to sources cited by Reuters. The deal is expected to be finalized during a high-level ceremony in Washington, attended by the foreign ministers of both nations and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The accord seeks to bring an end to the persistent violence plaguing eastern Congo, fueled in part by the advance of the M23 rebel group, widely believed to be supported by Rwanda—a claim Kigali has consistently denied.

Beyond the pursuit of peace, the agreement comes amid active discussions with the U.S. over significant investments in Congo’s rich mineral resources. The country is home to vast deposits of copper, cobalt, and lithium—critical elements for mobile phones, electric vehicles, and other modern technologies. Rwanda has also confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. regarding a potential minerals deal.

The renewed diplomatic momentum follows a surge in violence earlier this year when M23 rebels captured key eastern cities. In response, both the United Nations and Western governments accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the rebel group. Rwanda maintains its military action was in self-defense against Congolese forces and militias linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

Mediation efforts by Qatar and the U.S. have helped bring both parties to the negotiating table. In March, Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, resulting in a call for a ceasefire. Talks hosted in Qatar also led to a joint statement this week, with both Congo and M23 rebels pledging to cease hostilities and work toward a lasting peace.

A diplomatic source revealed that Friday’s agreement will act as a “declaration of principles”, outlining shared commitments to peace, regional stability, and economic collaboration. While the details are still being finalized, the accord aims to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence, and normalize diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.

Another source noted that a full peace deal is expected to follow in the coming months, with both parties working closely to finalize the terms.

This development comes as the U.S. continues exploring a potential minerals-for-security partnership with Congo—a proposal initially brought to Washington by a Congolese senator earlier this year, capturing the interest of the Trump administration.

If successful, the peace accord could mark a turning point in one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts, while unlocking economic opportunities in one of the world’s most mineral-rich regions.