Speaking on Wednesday while hosting several African heads of state, he emphasised that the peace deal signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27, 2025, aims to end three decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
'It's been a long and vicious fight, and I just wanted to say that the countries represented were very happy that we were able to solve that problem," Trump stated.
He noted that following the recent signing of the accord by foreign ministers from both countries, the two presidents are expected to sign the final agreement soon.
"Over the next couple of weeks, the leaders of both countries will come to sign the final agreement," he added.
The announcement came as Trump hosted several African leaders at the event, including President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Trump also praised his senior adviser for Africa, Masssad Boulos, for playing a key role in mediating the deal, saying, 'He was very much involved in that settlement. Most people thought it couldn't be done.'
The peace agreement signed last month includes commitments to dismantle the FDLR, an armed group that has long destabilised Rwanda from Congolese territory, and to roll back defensive measures Rwanda had implemented in response to regional threats. It also addresses the return of refugees and outlines a framework for economic cooperation.
Beyond Rwanda and the DRC, Trump said his team is also working to facilitate peace in other troubled regions on the continent. 'We're going to be facilitating peace also in places like Sudan, where they have a lot of problems, Libya, and others.'
He emphasised a shift in U.S. engagement with Africa, moving from aid to trade:
'We're shifting from aid to trade. Trade seems to be a foundation that I've been able to use to settle a lot of these disputes â€" India and Pakistan, Kosovo, Serbia. We said, 'You guys are going to fight? We're not going to trade,' and we seem to be quite successful in doing that.'
To support this new approach, Trump defended tougher measures introduced by his administration, including the shutdown of USAID, describing them as part of efforts to support the trade initiative.
'We have closed the USAID group to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, which was tremendous. We're working tirelessly to forge new economic opportunities involving both the United States and many African nations.'
'There's great economic potential in Africa, like few other places in many ways. In the long run, this will be far more effective, sustainable, and beneficial than anything else we can be doing together.'
'I'm eager to work with each of you on your vital issues and also to discuss security,' he concluded.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
