US-Brokered Rwanda, DR Congo Peace Deal Seeks Regional Stability, Mineral Access

President Donald Trump has played a central role in brokering multiple peace agreements in 2025, including a significant accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda aimed at ending decades-long conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The deal, signed in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presiding, includes a 90-day Rwandan troop withdrawal, disarmament steps, and plans for economic integration that would link both nations with U.S. investors, potentially granting the U.S. substantial mineral rights. While the agreement is hailed by Trump as a major peace achievement and a potential stabilizer for global mineral supply and oil markets, many remain skeptical about its durability, given unresolved issues like rebel group compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Trump has also been involved in mediating ceasefires in other global conflicts, including between Israel and Iran and between India and Pakistan, adopting a style of "transactional diplomacy" that leverages economic and security pressures. Despite mixed reactions, these efforts have led to Trump’s nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting his administration's focus on intertwining diplomacy with business interests. Critics caution that the agreements may primarily serve U.S. strategic goals and question their long-term effectiveness amid ongoing tensions and violence.