US sets troop withdrawal as precondition for Rwanda-DRC peace deal

The United States has outlined strict conditions for brokering a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),centering on the full withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Congo.

A draft agreement,verified by multiple diplomatic sources,requires Rwanda to remove its troops,weapons,and equipment before any deal can be finalized. Washington is leveraging its growing investments in Congo’s critical mineral sector — rich in cobalt,gold,copper,and lithium — as both a diplomatic tool and a strategic asset. Senior U.S. officials view regional stability as key to curbing foreign influence and unlocking economic growth. President Donald Trump’s adviser for African affairs,Massad Boulos,recently visited Kinshasa and expressed optimism for a peace deal within two months.

The U.S.-authored draft goes beyond earlier agreements by proposing a ‘Joint Security Coordination Mechanism’,which could include Rwandan and “foreign military observer personnel,” and calling for M23 rebels — long seen as Rwanda-backed — to join Congo’s national dialogue,a move Kinshasa views as a major concession. Rwanda,which has denied sending troops,insists its presence responds to threats from Congolese Hutu militias. Analysts,however,argue these groups no longer pose a serious risk. Kinshasa maintains that no deal will be signed until Rwandan troops withdraw,accusing Kigali of stalling. With tensions high and economic stakes even higher,the coming weeks could prove decisive for peace in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.