标签： Africa

WASHINGTON — In a significant diplomatic maneuver, the Trump administration has brokered what it terms a “historic” agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, aiming to quell decades of conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo while securing American access to critical rare earth minerals. The signing ceremony, dubbed the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, will bring Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame to the U.S. Institute of Peace on Thursday for a trilateral meeting with President Trump.

The accord represents the culmination of months of U.S.-led mediation involving the African Union and Qatar, building upon a preliminary agreement signed in June. Beyond its peace objectives, the pact establishes a Regional Economic Integration Framework that will govern future economic partnerships between the three nations, particularly focusing on Congo’s vast mineral reserves essential for manufacturing fighter jets, cellphones, and other advanced technology.

This strategic move comes as the United States seeks to counter China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, which currently accounts for nearly 70% of global mining and 90% of processing. By leveraging Congo’s urgent need for security assistance, the Trump administration has positioned American companies to gain preferential access to these resources.

However, the reality on the ground contrasts sharply with diplomatic optimism. Eastern Congo remains embroiled in violence, with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels maintaining control over key cities including Goma and Bukavu despite a separate peace agreement between Congo and the rebel group. Residents report ongoing clashes, closed international airports, suspended banking operations, surging crime rates, and skyrocketing prices of essential goods.

The conflict’s roots extend to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, where nearly two million Hutus fled into Congo fearing reprisals. Rwandan authorities maintain that Hutu militias operating in eastern Congo pose an existential threat to Rwanda’s Tutsi population, while Congo insists permanent peace requires Rwanda to withdraw both troops and support for M23 rebels. UN experts estimate between 3,000-4,000 Rwandan forces are currently deployed in the region.

As American business leaders gather for parallel meetings hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to explore investment opportunities in minerals, energy, and tourism, Congolese civilians express skepticism. “We are still at war,” stated Amani Chibalonza Edith, a 32-year-old Goma resident. “There can be no peace as long as the front lines remain active.”

In a significant diplomatic development, the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are preparing to formalize a peace agreement during a Washington summit convened by US President Donald Trump. This high-stakes diplomatic initiative unfolds against a backdrop of intensified combat operations in the mineral-rich eastern territories of DR Congo, where government forces continue to engage with Rwanda-backed M23 rebel factions.

Recent days have witnessed a concerning escalation of hostilities, with Congolese military authorities accusing M23 insurgents of deliberately undermining the peace process through renewed offensive operations. Conversely, rebel leadership contends that government forces initiated violations of existing ceasefire arrangements. The M23 movement, which captured substantial territories including the strategic trading hub of Goma earlier this year, remains absent from the primary negotiation table, instead participating in parallel discussions mediated by Qatari officials.

The forthcoming agreement addresses core grievances from both nations: Rwanda demands the disarmament of FDLR militia elements linked to the 1994 genocide, while DR Congo insists on the complete withdrawal of Rwandan military presence from its eastern provinces. Historical context reveals this conflict’s complexity, with multiple failed peace initiatives since the 1990s attributed to mutual non-compliance with similar provisions.

US diplomatic engagement appears driven by substantial economic interests, with President Trump explicitly acknowledging American acquisition of mineral rights as part of the June preliminary agreement. The Democratic Republic of Congo possesses an estimated $25 trillion in mineral reserves, including critical components for electronic devices, renewable energy infrastructure, and military equipment.

Despite ceremonial preparations in Washington, regional analysts maintain cautious skepticism regarding the agreement’s practical implementation. Security researchers note the absence of an active ceasefire and continued territorial expansion by rebel forces, suggesting the signing ceremony may primarily serve symbolic rather than operational purposes.

International mediation efforts feature unusual coordination between the United States and Qatar, with each nation leveraging distinct diplomatic relationships—Washington maintaining stronger ties with Kinshasa, while Doha enjoys closer relations with Kigali. The participation of additional African and Arab leaders underscores the agreement’s regional significance, though the path to sustainable peace remains fraught with historical grievances and competing economic interests.

President Donald Trump’s characterization of Somali immigrants as “garbage” who “should be out of here” and have “destroyed our country” has ignited fierce backlash within America’s largest Somali community in Minneapolis. The remarks, made during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting and reiterated Wednesday, specifically targeted Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar alongside broader condemnation of Somali immigrants.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area hosts approximately 84,000 Somali descendants, representing nearly one-third of all Somalis in the United States. This community has developed substantial political and economic influence since refugees first began settling in Minnesota during the 1990s, attracted by robust social services and established diaspora networks.

Hamse Warfa, a Somali-born U.S. citizen and successful entrepreneur who now leads national education nonprofit World Savvy, responded unequivocally: “I am not garbage.” Emphasizing the weight of presidential rhetoric, Warfa noted, “Words matter a lot — especially when it’s the president of the United States who is talking.”

The administration’s verbal attacks coincide with operational changes, including pausing all immigration applications from 19 banned nations—Somalia among them—following a recent National Guard shooting in Washington. Reports also indicate federal authorities are preparing targeted immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota focusing primarily on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S., though most Minnesota Somalis are U.S. citizens, many born domestically.

Local leadership including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have pledged to protect Somali residents against broader blame for recent fraud cases in public programs. Frey affirmed Minneapolis “will remain a city that stands up for our residents,” signaling continued support for the community amidst escalating tensions.