Washington, D.C. – June 27, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States will gain significant rights to Congolese mineral resources as part of a peace agreement brokered between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
Calling it “one of the most important achievements” of his administration’s African diplomacy, Trump tied the deal directly to U.S. strategic and economic interests.
“We are securing for the United States a large share of the Congolese mineral rights,” Trump declared in a White House speech hours before the formal signing ceremony between the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC.
The peace accord, signed under U.S. auspices, formalizes the Declaration of Principles agreed upon by both countries in April 2025.
While the primary aim is to end years of deadly conflict in eastern Congo and promote regional stability, the deal carries a strong economic dimension—particularly around critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, and coltan.
These resources are essential to the global technology sector and clean energy transition.
Trump highlighted the strategic value of securing access to these minerals, positioning the agreement as a geopolitical win for the United States amid growing global competition for rare earth elements.
Describing the Great Lakes region as “very dangerous,” Trump recalled the brutality of past violence between the DRC and Rwanda, even referencing the use of machetes in the conflict.
He praised the unnamed diplomat or envoy who helped facilitate the talks, crediting them with accomplishing what many thought impossible.
“He managed to bring them together and conclude the agreement,” Trump said. “The Congolese and Rwandan representatives never imagined they would one day be received at the White House.”
The agreement includes provisions on ending hostilities, respecting territorial integrity, and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
It also encourages cooperation in energy, regional infrastructure, national park management, and mineral traceability—under existing frameworks such as the ICGLR, COMESA, and EAC.
President Trump emphasized that the United States is not only facilitating peace but also securing long-term strategic interests.
“It’s a big thing,” he said, confirming that a celebratory reception will be held at the White House to mark the occasion and deepen trilateral relations with the DRC and Rwanda.
As the world’s demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the Washington Agreement signals a major shift in U.S. engagement in Africa—blending diplomacy with resource strategy, and placing Congolese mining rights at the center of international geopolitics.
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