By Samantha Astor
On June 27th, 2025 a peace agreement between foreign ministers representing Democratic Republic of Congo DRC and Rwanda was signed and administered by United States (US) President Trump. The peace agreement is named the Washington accord. This comes as rising tensions between the two countries persist and a growing humanitarian issue grows as a result. (To read more about the DRC and Rwanda Conflict Read Article Here).
The Washington Accord consists of several mandates, The first is for both states to end any support for militias or armed groups. Second, Rwanda has to withdraw its troops from the Eastern DRC region. In return for upholding the peace agreement, the US will begin investments in the Mineral reserves. The accord also reaffirms the continued mission of the United Nations mission in DRC. One of the highlighted goals is for the displaced persons from this conflict to return back home. Due to ongoing fighting, many people have fled their homes to other regions within the country or to neighboring countries.
If any parts of the agreement are not upheld, President Trump iterated that there would be consequences such as sanctions. This peace agreement is a major shift for DRC and Rwanda and the US. Peace needs to urgently be administered in order for the conflict to end. Kids and civilians who are innocent have faced lack of shelter, food, water,and safety. The international community’s top priority is to protect innocent civilians and to use diplomacy and foreign policy to reduce this conflict.