Trump's False Peace

Trump's False Peace

Donald Trump and Peace in the DRC: A Claim That Hides Reality on the Ground

On June 27, 2025, a peace agreement was signed in Washington between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), under the auspices of the United States. Presented as a major breakthrough, the text was welcomed by many actors, including the US president at the time, Donald Trump. He didn't hesitate to take credit for it, claiming to have "brought peace" to the Congo.

However, this statement is profoundly misleading. Although it represents a diplomatic hope, the Washington agreement has, in fact, changed nothing on the ground. The war continues, the suffering of civilians persists, and instability remains.

An Agreement on Paper, a War That Continues

The agreement signed in Washington aims to end hostilities in eastern Congo. It contains crucial provisions, including:

• An end to hostile military activities between the two countries.
• The withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC.
• The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.
• The disarmament and reintegration of non-state armed groups.

Despite these promises, the reality is completely different. Clashes continue, and reports from the UN and other organizations confirm that the M23, supported by Rwanda, still occupies strategic areas in North Kivu.

The Reality on the Ground: Suffering and Instability

The consequences of the prolonged conflict are devastating for the Congolese people:

• Massacres of civilians: Atrocities continue. Numerous reports mention killings targeting civilians, often accused of supporting certain armed groups.
• Sexual violence: Rape is still used as a weapon of war, destroying lives and the social fabric of communities.
• Mass displacement: According to the UNHCR, more than 7 million Congolese are internally displaced, a global record.
• Pillaging of resources: Mines under the control of armed groups continue to fuel an illicit trade in minerals. These resources finance the conflict, creating a vicious cycle of violence and exploitation.

The Weaknesses of a Symbolic Agreement

If the Washington agreement has not ended the conflict, it's partly because of its shortcomings:

1. Lack of a binding mechanism: The text provides for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, but without a specific timetable or sanctions for non-compliance. Rwanda has no incentive to abide by its obligations.
2. A biased narrative: By focusing on the threat posed by the FDLR, a group of a few hundred fighters that no longer represents a strategic threat, the agreement minimizes the role of Rwandan aggression. This approach diverts attention from the root causes of the conflict.
3. Disguised "co-management": By talking about the integration of armed groups, the agreement seems to open the door to potential co-management of the areas occupied by the M23. Such a measure would risk institutionalizing the occupation and threatening the territorial integrity of the DRC.

Trump's Discourse: A Dangerous Claim

When Donald Trump claims that the agreement has brought peace, he is making a political statement that conceals a brutal reality. This claim has three harmful effects:

• It makes the victims invisible: By celebrating a peace that does not exist, he erases the suffering of millions of Congolese people.
• It reinforces impunity: This discourse gives a diplomatic cover to Rwanda, allowing it to continue its military operations without fear of international sanctions.
• It weakens the DRC: Congolese diplomacy finds itself isolated in the face of an international narrative that doesn't reflect the truth on the ground.

Conclusion: What the Congolese People Want

The Congolese people don't want a superficial agreement. They demand a firm commitment based on truth and justice. They want:

• A total and effective withdrawal of Rwanda and the M23.
• An end to the pillaging of natural resources.
• International justice for war crimes.
• Real humanitarian aid and protection for displaced civilians.

Lasting peace won't be built on slogans or political statements. It will depend on truth, justice, and the commitment of the international community to enforce international law. Donald Trump's claim, far from bringing peace, has primarily offered Rwanda a diplomatic umbrella to continue its actions. The Congo doesn't need lies; it needs genuine international solidarity and concrete action.

Prepared par :

Sam Nkumi &  Gilberte  Bienvenue

African  Rights Alliance