United States President Donald Trump will host the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the White House on Thursday for the signing of what officials describe as a historic peace and economic agreement. The announcement signals a major diplomatic push by Washington to help end one of Africa’s most enduring and deadly conflicts.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will formalize the agreement after months of negotiations. She said President Trump personally brokered the final terms, calling the upcoming ceremony a significant step toward stability in the Great Lakes region.
The meeting follows the signing of a preliminary peace agreement by the two countries’ foreign ministers at the White House in June. That earlier accord laid the foundation for talks hosted in Qatar in November, where both parties endorsed a framework aimed at ending years of violence in eastern DRC.
The peace process comes at a critical time for the region. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements, fighting has persisted in North Kivu, where the M23 rebel group continues to battle Congolese government forces. The group, composed largely of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has its origins in tensions that date back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
More than one hundred armed groups operate in eastern DRC, making the region one of the most complicated battlegrounds on the African continent. Communities in North Kivu and surrounding provinces have suffered repeated cycles of displacement, insecurity, and humanitarian crises.
U.S. officials say the new agreement focuses on de-escalation, cross-border security cooperation, economic development, and the reintegration of armed groups. They believe the accord will create conditions for long-term peace by encouraging both countries to jointly police their borders and support accountability measures.
Analysts note that relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been strained for decades, as both nations have accused each other of backing armed groups to advance political and economic interests. Washington hopes this deal will help rebuild trust and prevent proxy fighting that has destabilized the region.
The stakes extend far beyond regional politics. The conflict in eastern DRC has major implications for global supply chains, as the region is home to some of the world’s most valuable mineral deposits. The new agreement includes provisions aimed at improving transparency in mineral trade routes and curbing illicit networks.
The White House sees the accord as a diplomatic win at a moment when U.S. engagement in Africa has been under scrutiny. Trump is expected to use the ceremony to highlight his administration’s efforts to advance peace and economic growth on the continent.
However, the event comes as the administration faces questions about a separate issue. A Washington Post investigation recently reported that the U.S. military conducted a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean in September, allegedly to kill survivors of an initial attack.
According to the Post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth verbally instructed commanders to ensure no survivors remained. The report said the first strike left two men alive in the water, prompting a second strike that killed them. The Pentagon’s handling of the operation has sparked bipartisan calls for an investigation.
Secretary Hegseth has denied the accusations, calling the report fabricated and insisting that U.S. actions in the Caribbean comply with international law. He said the operations targeted what he described as narcoterrorist groups and were conducted under presidential authority.
During Monday’s White House briefing, reporters pressed Leavitt for clarity. She said the administration does not deny that a second strike took place but rejects the claim that Secretary Hegseth ordered the killing of survivors.
She read a statement saying the strikes were authorized to eliminate a threat and destroy a vessel used for narcotics trafficking. The statement praised Admiral Frank Bradley, the commander of the operation, for acting within his authority.
The controversy has intensified as lawmakers debate whether the reported actions may constitute a violation of the laws of war. Several members of Congress have demanded a full review of the rules of engagement used during anti-narcotics missions.
Despite the domestic tensions, the White House is moving forward with preparations for Thursday’s ceremony. Officials believe the peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC can serve as a turning point for a region that has long struggled with conflict.
Diplomats involved in the negotiations say the agreement includes commitments to end support for armed groups, reopen key border crossings, and establish joint development zones. These measures are expected to boost trade and improve cooperation between Kigali and Kinshasa.
For many observers, the success of the deal will depend on whether the parties can fully implement the commitments made in Washington. Previous peace efforts in the region have faltered due to mistrust and renewed fighting.
Humanitarian organizations say millions of civilians stand to benefit if the agreement is upheld. Eastern DRC remains one of the most vulnerable regions in Africa, with thousands displaced each month by violence.
As the world watches, Thursday’s meeting will mark a pivotal chapter in U.S. diplomacy in Africa. Whether the agreement delivers lasting peace remains uncertain, but the White House is positioning the event as one of the most consequential diplomatic breakthroughs of the year.
