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DRC–Rwanda: New Peace Deal, But Violence Persists

December 11, 2025
Aaniya Khan

On December 4, 2025, the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington, D.C. The signing—involving DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and hosted by Donald J. Trump—was hailed as a major step toward ending decades of violent conflict in eastern Congo.

Under the deal, both countries agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, stop supporting militant groups, and disarm non-state armed groups operating in eastern DRC. They also pledged to facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and to begin steps toward regional cooperation and economic investment — especially given the region’s critical mineral resources.

The signing came after a turbulent year in which the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 captured major cities in eastern Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, fueling a massive displacement and humanitarian crisis.

However, the optimism surrounding the agreement was short-lived. Within hours of the ceremony, heavy fighting again erupted in the east, with government forces and M23 rebels trading blame and civilians caught in the crossfire.

According to a detailed investigation published December 8, M23 now effectively controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC: the rebel group has expanded its forces, set up its own governing structures, and taken control over key mineral-rich zones—including mines whose resources are central to global tech supply chains.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire. A bomb explosion in South Kivu province near the town of Sange reportedly killed more than 30 civilians, with dozens more wounded. The violence has destroyed homes and critical infrastructure, and forced many to flee toward neighboring countries.

The mixed developments have drawn sharp criticism from international observers. While the peace deal is broadly welcomed, many warn that signing on paper is not the same as achieving peace on the ground—especially when non-state actors like M23 are not party to the agreement and continue to wield power.

The Eastern DRC holds immense strategic importance. It sits atop vast reserves of critical minerals—cobalt, copper, tantalum, coltan, tin, gold and more—that are essential for global supply chains: everything from electric-vehicle batteries to smartphones and electronics depends on them.

The new peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda represents a rare diplomatic opening. It combines promises to respect sovereignty, demilitarize contested zones, and open the door to economic cooperation. If fully implemented, this deal could pave the way for reconstruction, foreign investment, infrastructure development, and the safe return of refugees.

Yet the reality on the ground remains precarious. Powerful rebel groups—many outside the formal peace process—continue to control key mining zones, exploiting mineral wealth to finance their operations. Their ongoing violence undermines hopes for peace, destabilizes local communities, and threatens regional security.

This situation illustrates just how difficult peacemaking can be. Treaties and diplomatic frameworks may set the stage, but without actual enforcement, the inclusion of all relevant actors, transparent oversight, and protections for civilians, peace remains fragile — and the human cost continues to mount.