The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump that aims to end long-standing conflicts in the region.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed the agreement at the Donald Trump signed in Washington.
Trump described the event as a “great day for Africa and the world” and said: “I have great confidence in both leaders; they will fulfill their commitments and create a brighter future for the people of their countries.”
In his speech, Trump jokingly stated that from now on, the leaders of the two countries will spend more time hugging each other instead of “killing each other.”
He called the agreement “another of eight wars” he claims to have ended in the past year.
The agreement, the next phase of which was signed in June, includes commitments for economic cooperation, including US access to vital mineral deposits in Congo and Rwanda.
However, fighting continues in eastern Congo, and critics warn that its implementation will face serious challenges.
Trump, who has repeatedly described himself as a “peace broker,” expressed his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that he should have received eight awards for “eight peaces.”
The event was attended by leaders from other African countries and provided an opportunity to discuss American investments in energy, mining, and tourism.
Experts hope that the agreement will be a step towards regional stability and economic growth despite the continued violence, although they emphasize that its success depends on the practical implementation of the commitments.
