Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo will sign a peace deal Friday in Washington. The agreement aims to end fighting in eastern Congo that has killed thousands of people. President Donald Trump helped create the deal and wants a Nobel Peace Prize for his work. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will watch the foreign ministers sign the document. Critics worry the agreement lacks clear details about economic plans.
The M23 rebel group started new attacks in late 2021 and took control of large areas. The rebels captured the important city of Goma earlier this year. Congo says Rwanda supports the M23 fighters with weapons and soldiers. Washington agrees with Congo about Rwanda's involvement. Rwanda denies helping the rebels directly but wants another armed group destroyed.
The agreement promises to respect borders and stop all fighting between the countries. Both nations must disarm armed groups that operate without government control. Qatar and a Trump advisor helped create the deal through months of talks. The document mentions future economic cooperation between the three countries. Trump plans to host both presidents at a Washington summit later.
Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege criticized the agreement for being unclear. The doctor treats victims of sexual violence in Congo and fears the deal rewards Rwanda for attacks. He believes the economic parts will let Rwanda steal Congo's valuable minerals unfairly. Both countries want better relationships with America. Congo has vast amounts of lithium and cobalt that electric car companies need.
The M23 rebel group started new attacks in late 2021 and took control of large areas. The rebels captured the important city of Goma earlier this year. Congo says Rwanda supports the M23 fighters with weapons and soldiers. Washington agrees with Congo about Rwanda's involvement. Rwanda denies helping the rebels directly but wants another armed group destroyed.
The agreement promises to respect borders and stop all fighting between the countries. Both nations must disarm armed groups that operate without government control. Qatar and a Trump advisor helped create the deal through months of talks. The document mentions future economic cooperation between the three countries. Trump plans to host both presidents at a Washington summit later.
Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege criticized the agreement for being unclear. The doctor treats victims of sexual violence in Congo and fears the deal rewards Rwanda for attacks. He believes the economic parts will let Rwanda steal Congo's valuable minerals unfairly. Both countries want better relationships with America. Congo has vast amounts of lithium and cobalt that electric car companies need.
