Ambassador Troy Fitrell, senior official at the U.S. Department of State responsible for African partnerships, emphasized the significant benefits that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stand to gain from the forthcoming peace agreement. He affirmed that the United States is committed to a swift conclusion of the deal to ensure lasting stability and sustainable economic development in the Great Lakes region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2025, Ambassador Fitrell stressed the urgency of the process:
“We do not believe it should take six months or a year. We want a major step forward quickly. Progress is being made in this direction. This aligns with the ongoing discussions in Nairobi, Luanda, and among our partners in Qatar,” he stated.
He further noted that diplomatic efforts are being closely coordinated between Washington, Doha, Luanda, and Nairobi to avoid discrepancies and to facilitate a durable peace agreement in the Great Lakes area.
Ambassador Fitrell highlighted the economic gains anticipated from resolving the longstanding conflict in eastern DRC:
“Economic development is critical for both parties to fully benefit from the already drafted peace and recovery program. Harnessing economic opportunities also strengthens security by unlocking the potential that arises from a stabilized environment.”
According to Reuters, on May 19, 2025, two diplomats and a UN official revealed that the ongoing negotiations include a provision for minerals extracted in eastern DRC to be processed in Rwanda before export. This initiative aims to end the sale of raw materials by the DRC and increase its revenue generation.
The future peace agreement also envisions a partnership dedicated to dismantling armed groups that control numerous mines in eastern DRC and threaten civilian security. This collaboration aims to restore stability to these resource-rich areas.
Ambassador Fitrell underscored that the impact of the agreement would extend beyond Rwanda and the DRC to benefit neighboring countries such as Burundi and Uganda.
“The region needs a peace agreement, and our goal is to move steadily in that direction,” he affirmed.
Massad Boulos, advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump on the U.S.-Africa partnership, confirmed on May 15 that Washington has submitted the peace agreement draft to the Rwandan and Congolese governments, with official responses expected soon.
The signing of the agreement is scheduled for June 2025, pending final approval from all involved parties, including Angola, France, Togo, and Qatar.
