U.S. President Donald Trump announced a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on June 20. He made the declaration on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “Great Day for Africa” and “a Great Day for the World.” Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio assisted in securing the deal, which is scheduled to be signed in Washington on June 23.
Conflict Has Lasted for Decades
Trump noted that the war between DRC and Rwanda has been extremely violent and deadly. “This war, known for violent bloodshed and death, more so even than most other wars, has gone on for decades,” he wrote. He added that the conflict has caused “millions” of deaths in Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Trump Lists More Peace Achievements
In his post, Trump also mentioned other peace efforts he claimed to have led. These include ending hostilities between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and preventing conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River. He also referred to the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalise ties between Israel and Arab nations.
However, Trump expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for this… for stopping the War between India and Pakistan… for stopping the War between Serbia and Kosovo… for keeping Peace between Egypt and Ethiopia… and for doing the Abraham Accords,” he wrote.
Critics Question Trump’s Peace Claims
Despite his statements, many of Trump’s peace claims remain unverified. His promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours has not materialised. The conflict has instead worsened, with Russia preparing for a new offensive.
Trump has also failed to calm tensions in West Asia. In fact, Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites have increased—reportedly with Trump’s approval—leading to further unrest.
India Rejects Mediation Claim
Trump claimed he helped mediate peace between India and Pakistan. But Indian officials strongly deny this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told Trump that the U.S. played no role in any talks. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Prime Minister Modi clearly conveyed to President Trump that at no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion… on a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan.”
A Long, Complicated Conflict
The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has lasted for decades. It involves ethnic tensions, cross-border rebel activity, and fights over natural resources. Several peace efforts by the UN and African nations have failed to stop the violence.
Experts Remain Cautious
Though Trump called the agreement a breakthrough, analysts remain careful in their response. They say the announcement is important, but the success of the deal will depend on clear terms and strong enforcement. Without these, true peace may remain out of reach.