WASHINGTON, 09 Dec. - (ANA) - The presidents of the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace pact in Washington, a deal the White House argues could unlock one of the world’s most valuable untapped economic zones.

 

The “Washington Accords” aim to halt years of fighting in eastern DR Congo, a region rich in gold, tin, tungsten, tantalum, and other minerals critical to global electronics and clean-energy industries. The US sees stability between the two neighbours as essential to opening the door for major investment.

 

US President Donald Trump said Washington would dispatch “some of our biggest and greatest companies” to both countries, and allow “everybody to make a lot of money.” In 2023, the US State Department valued DR Congo’s mineral reserves at roughly $25 trillion.

 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame called Trump’s approach “even-handed,” while DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi voiced cautious optimism, stressing the need for Rwanda — which Kinshasa accuses of backing M23 rebels in the region — to fully respect the terms of the deal before economic cooperation could advance.

 

Analysts have warned that continued M23 activity may limit the agreement’s immediate impact. But US and Qatari mediators believe joint projects in mining, power generation, and infrastructure could create a powerful economic incentive — a long-sought peace dividend for one of Africa’s most strategically important regions.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/09 December 2025 - - -