A landmark US-brokered peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has captured global attention—not just for its promise to end years of deadly conflict, but for what it could mean for the future of Africa’s mineral wealth and geopolitical balance.
Signed on June 28 in Washington, the deal—unofficially dubbed the “Washington Accord”—commits both countries to cease hostilities, respect each other’s sovereignty, and work together to unlock the economic potential of the DRC’s critical minerals. It’s a major diplomatic milestone with far-reaching implications, especially as the world races to secure supplies of cobalt, coltan, and other essential resources used in everything from electric vehicles to smartphones.
President Donald Trump called the moment a “long time waiting,” and while presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC are expected to formalize the agreement at a future White House summit, experts say the real challenge now lies in turning words into meaningful action.
A Shift from Conflict to Collaboration?
Frannie Léautier of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Centre says the deal is more than just a truce. “This is about rewriting the script—from years of violence and suspicion to a future rooted in governance, cooperation, and shared economic benefit,” she said.
Central to the deal is a jointly managed supply chain for minerals, combining the DRC’s vast reserves with Rwanda’s logistical strengths and US transparency standards. If successful, it could provide a template for economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and power Africa’s clean energy transition.
A Strategic Move Against China’s Influence
The agreement also has global implications. Tressa Guenov of the Scowcroft Centre points out that it sends a clear signal to China, which currently dominates much of the DRC’s cobalt trade. “This deal reflects a growing US ambition to play a bigger role in Africa’s resource economy,” she said.
But Guenov also offered a word of caution: “If corruption and exclusion persist, this could do more harm than good. The M23 rebel group, which still holds territory in eastern Congo, wasn’t part of this agreement—and that’s a serious blind spot.”
Energy Transition Meets African Leadership
Alexandria Maloney, also of the Atlantic Council, believes this is a chance to anchor Africa firmly within the global green economy. “It’s not just about minerals—it’s about who gets to benefit from them. Local voices and civil society must be part of the decision-making process,” she said.
Maloney sees potential in the deal aligning with the broader US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa. Still, she warns that poor infrastructure and weak governance in eastern DRC could derail progress if not addressed early.
Building Trust Through Rule of Law
Will Mortenson from the Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Centre says the path to lasting peace and prosperity lies in legal reforms. “The DRC ranks near the bottom globally for rule of law. Unless the country strengthens its justice system and fights corruption, foreign investment will remain risky—and the Congolese people will once again be left behind,” he explained.
What Happens Next?
Experts agree: the deal is a welcome start, but its success depends on careful implementation. Key priorities now include:
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Strong US diplomatic and technical backing
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Transparent monitoring systems to track progress
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Genuine inclusion of local leaders and communities
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A clear plan to address rebel activity in eastern DRC
With the eyes of the world now on Central Africa, the DRC–Rwanda accord is more than just a ceasefire—it’s a bold attempt to reset how global powers engage with Africa’s resources. Whether it becomes a turning point or another missed opportunity will depend on what happens next.
