Trump says “quick progress” expected as US hosts Rwanda–Congo peace talks at White House

United States President Donald Trump said “immediate results” are expected as he hosted the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda at the White House on Thursday, marking a new phase of the Washington Accords aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.

During the trilateral meeting, Trump announced that the US is finalizing bilateral agreements with both Congo and Rwanda that will expand American access to critical minerals—an area central to global supply chains—and create economic opportunities for all parties involved.

“Today, the United States is also signing our own bilateral agreements with Congo and Rwanda that will unlock new opportunities for the United States to access critical minerals and provide economic benefits for everybody,” Trump said.

The White House talks build on months of US-led diplomatic engagement. In April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw a pledge committing Washington to shepherd a long-term peace roadmap. Rubio said at the time that a stable eastern Congo “will open the door for greater US and broader Western investment” and “advance President Trump’s prosperity agenda for the world.”

The long-standing tensions between Rwanda and Congo—rooted in cross-border rebel activity, mineral control, and regional security disputes—have drawn renewed US attention as the administration positions itself to play a central role in brokering peace.

Trump said Thursday’s meeting marks a turning point, adding that “quick progress is coming” under the expanded Washington Accords framework. The leaders of Rwanda and Congo also expressed optimism, according to US officials present at the summit.

Further announcements are expected as negotiations advance.