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Rwanda and Congo Sign U.S.-Brokered Washington Accords in D.C. as Fighting Persists

The pact ties security pledges to a U.S.-backed minerals-focused economic framework.

Overview

  • Presidents Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi signed the accords at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, with President Trump hosting the ceremony.
  • The agreement outlines commitments to a ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, refugee returns and accountability, with a joint security mechanism due within 30 days and an economic framework targeted within 90 days under oversight by the U.S., Qatar and the African Union.
  • Clashes continued in eastern Congo during the signing, including reported fighting near Kamanyola and across Kivu provinces, and the M23 rebels did not sign and remain in separate Qatar-mediated talks.
  • The United States also concluded bilateral deals with both countries to expand access to critical minerals, part of a push to prioritize U.S. companies and reduce reliance on China.
  • Kinshasa says economic steps will follow verified improvements on the ground, while Kigali links any pullback to Congo neutralizing the FDLR militia.