Congo and Rwanda are poised to sign a landmark agreement in Washington on Friday to promote peace and economic development in the region, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The deal comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to curb violence following a significant advance by M23 rebels in eastern Congo, reportedly backed by Rwanda.
The agreement is expected to be signed by the foreign ministers of both countries in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It signals a step toward rebuilding ties and fostering stability as the U.S. pursues deeper economic engagement in the mineral-rich region. Rwanda has also confirmed ongoing discussions with Washington regarding a potential minerals agreement.
Eastern Congo has witnessed a sharp rise in conflict since January, when M23 rebels launched a large-scale offensive, seizing two of the region’s biggest cities. The United Nations and several Western nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels with arms and troops—allegations Rwanda denies, stating its military involvement is in self-defense against Congo’s army and militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
Both the United States and Qatar have expressed interest in mediating a resolution to the crisis. While Qatar has cultivated a reputation as a regional peace broker, the U.S. is motivated by access to Congo’s vast mineral reserves.
A diplomatic source said the Washington agreement seeks to create a “pathway to peace, stability, and integrated economic development” in the region, while also restoring normal diplomatic relations between Congo and Rwanda. Another insider noted that the accord is designed to boost investor confidence.
Interest from the Trump administration in Congo has intensified since a Congolese senator proposed a minerals-for-security deal earlier this year. The U.S. is particularly keen on securing greater access to strategic minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium—critical components in smartphones and electric vehicles, which are currently dominated by Chinese mining operations.
