• President Trump convened leaders from Congo and Rwanda to sign a new peace deal.
• The agreement aims to stabilize eastern Congo and enhance access to critical minerals.
• Despite the celebration, violence continues in eastern Congo with clashes reported.
• Leaders express cautious optimism about the potential for peace and economic cooperation.
• The deal builds on previous accords and emphasizes diplomatic efforts by the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwandan leaders on Thursday to sign a new peace deal aimed at stabilizing the conflict-ridden eastern Congo and opening access to its rich mineral resources. The signing ceremony took place amid continued violence in the region, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has been advancing and conducting clashes against Congolese forces, raising doubts about the agreement's immediate impact on the ground, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

During the signing at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Trump characterized the event as a significant diplomatic victory, emphasizing U.S. interests in accessing critical minerals in the region, which are essential for technology manufacturing. "Today, we’re succeeding where so many others have failed," he declared, while lauding both leaders for their commitment to the agreement, according to Los Angeles Times and Anadolu Agency.

In attendance, Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda both expressed hopeful sentiments about the future of their bilateral relations, with Tshisekedi referring to the signing as “the beginning of a new path.” Kagame, while recognizing the challenges ahead, stated, "There will be ups and downs on the road," underlining their commitment to a peaceful resolution, reports Anadolu Agency and Le Monde.

Despite the ceremonial optimism, analysts caution that the deal may not swiftly translate into on-ground peace. Clashes are still reported between the Congolese army and M23, with both sides blaming each other for ceasefire violations. The ongoing fighting underscores the fragility of the situation, as highlighted by reports of violence just as the agreement was being signed, according to Africa News and Dawn.

The peace deal also reinforces economic integration efforts between the two countries, aiming to foster economic growth through enhanced collaboration in the mining sector. Trump stated that U.S. investments would follow, promising financial benefits for all parties involved, as noted in Africa News and Los Angeles Times.