US President Donald Trump has announced that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will sign a peace settlement, paving the way for the two neighboring countries to establish peace and begin trading with the United States.
Trump told reporters on Friday, June 20, 2025, that the two countries “will probably sign the peace agreement on Monday or Tuesday, to stop a vicious war which is known for violent bloodshed and death, and more even than most other wars that have gone on for decades.”
“This is a very long-term war. They’re all bloody, but this was the bloodiest one. They’re going on to make peace so that they can get on making trade with the USA, and have a much more normal life,” he added.
The American leader confirmed that the peace settlement signing will take place in Washington next week. Trump called it “a great day for Africa and the entire world.”
The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has lasted over 30 years, according to political experts. Since 2012, the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) has been active in North Kivu Province, engaging in intense fighting against government forces.
In 2022, the M23 movement—alleged to be backed by Rwanda—captured the city of Goma and expanded its control to areas like Bukavu. Rwanda has denied the allegations.
A report by the UN Group of Experts said that the conflict has led to the massive displacement of civilians from affected regions.
In June, the US announced that after three days of negotiations in Washington, a deal had been reached to end the war, which has claimed thousands of lives. The US acted as a mediator, with Qatar serving as an observer.
On Thursday, both countries reached a provisional peace agreement—a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC. A joint statement by the US Department of State was signed by technical teams from both Rwanda and the DRC.
The deal is seen as a potential gateway to attracting billions of dollars in investment to the Great Lakes region.
