Trump Brokers Rwanda-Congo Peace Deal, Secures Access to Rare Earth Minerals for US

Trump Brokers Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal, Opens Central Africa’s Minerals to US Companies.

US President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday to sign a Washington-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending a 30-year conflict in the region. The deal also paves the way for American companies to access Central Africa’s rare-earth and critical minerals.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi affirmed their commitment to the pact, though both acknowledged the challenges ahead.

Trump called the occasion “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world and for these two countries,” highlighting that the agreement also opens the door for US firms to extract minerals such as cobalt, copper, gold, tin, tungsten, and tantalum.

“There’s tremendous wealth in that beautiful earth, but it was stained badly with blood,” Trump said, adding that American companies would be involved in mining and commercial activities in the region.

Kagame stressed that if the agreement falters, responsibility lies with Rwanda and the DRC. “There will be ups and downs on the road ahead… Rwanda will not be found wanting,” he said. Tshisekedi described the deal as “the beginning of a new path” that is demanding but offers a real chance for lasting peace.

The pact builds on a preliminary agreement signed in June, though fighting continues in eastern Congo with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who recently captured key cities Goma and Bukavu.

The conflict in eastern Congo traces back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when Hutu militias fled into Congo, creating long-standing security tensions. Rwanda has repeatedly accused the DRC of sheltering armed groups like the FDLR, while Kinshasa alleges Kigali’s support for rebel factions such as the M23.