Faith Nyasuguta
The United States is intensifying diplomatic efforts to broker peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), laying out tough conditions that could shape the region’s future. At the heart of Washington’s push is a clear demand: Rwanda must withdraw all its troops and military equipment from eastern Congo before any formal peace agreement can be signed.
This requirement, revealed in a draft document authored by U.S officials and confirmed by four diplomatic sources, showcases a shift from earlier agreements. In April, the foreign ministers of both nations signed a declaration of principles in Washington, overseen by U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While that declaration called for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect for sovereignty, it stopped short of requiring a full troop withdrawal.
Now, with violence persisting in the mineral-rich eastern provinces of the DRC, where armed groups, some allegedly backed by Rwanda, continue to operate, the U.S. is raising the stakes. According to sources close to the negotiations, the updated proposal is aimed at halting foreign interference and stabilizing the region, which has long been marred by brutal conflict and exploitation.
This push for peace is deeply strategic. Several months ago, the U.S initiated a major minerals deal with the DRC, linking its economic ambitions with diplomatic goals. The deal would grant American and allied companies access to the country’s vast deposits of critical minerals, including cobalt, coltan, lithium, and gold-resources vital to global tech and green energy industries. But for the agreement to succeed, stability in the region is essential.
By making troop withdrawal a prerequisite for peace, the U.S is effectively using its mineral investment as leverage. It’s a bold geopolitical play designed not just to end conflict but also to push back against the growing influence of rival powers, most notably China, in Africa’s resource-rich territories.
Washington’s proposal also reflects deepening concerns about the region’s security dynamics. Rwanda has been repeatedly accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which is active in eastern Congo. Kigali, in turn, accuses Kinshasa of harboring militia forces hostile to Rwandan national interests. The resulting stalemate has left civilians vulnerable and peace efforts stalled.
The latest round of diplomatic engagement gained momentum with a high-profile visit by President Donald Trump’s Adviser for African Affairs, Massad Boulos. In meetings with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, Boulos affirmed U.S. commitment to both economic cooperation and regional peace.
“You have heard about a minerals agreement,” Boulos said in Kinshasa. “We have reviewed Congo’s proposal. I am happy to announce that the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development.”
The message from Washington is clear: economic development and security are intertwined. Without a credible end to Rwanda’s military involvement in eastern Congo, peace- and the economic potential it carries-will remain elusive.
Still, the path forward is uncertain. While the DRC appears open to the U.S-backed plan, Rwanda has yet to publicly commit to a full withdrawal. For Kigali, the issue is not just diplomacy, it’s national security. But for the region’s people, long trapped in a cycle of war and poverty, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As peace talks continue behind closed doors, hopes are high that diplomacy, economic incentives, and shared security concerns can finally bring lasting calm to one of Africa’s most volatile frontiers. For millions affected by years of conflict, a breakthrough could mark the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by stability, development, and regional cooperation.
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