President Donald Trump welcomed Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to Washington for the signing of a peace agreement that also secures U.S. access to critical rare earth minerals from the two nations.

Fox News reported that the Washington Accords, signed at the renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, establish a permanent ceasefire, disarm non-state forces, facilitate refugee returns, and ensure accountability for atrocities in a conflict spanning three decades. Trump highlighted bilateral deals enabling U.S. purchases of minerals vital for technology and defense.

This isn't merely a diplomatic handshake; it’s a strategic play for American interests. Trump announced bilateral pacts with both nations to secure access to rare earth minerals, vital for technology and defense, ensuring economic gains for all parties involved.

Breaking a 30-Year Cycle of Conflict

Rwandan President Paul Kagame didn’t mince words about the gravity of the moment, noting the conflict with Congo has dragged on for three decades. He praised Trump’s approach, saying, “President Trump introduced a new and effective dynamism that created the space for breakthroughs.”

Kagame’s words carry weight, but let’s be clear: past efforts by global do-gooders often fizzled into empty promises. Trump’s knack for cutting through bureaucratic fog seems to have forced a real shift, prioritizing action over endless talks.

The Congolese leader, Félix Tshisekedi, echoed a cautious hope during the signing, framed by a “Delivering Peace” backdrop. He called this a “demanding path,” admitting the road ahead won’t be simple but could transform peace from a dream into reality.

A Path Fraught with Challenges Ahead

Tshisekedi’s sobriety is telling when he said, “I do believe this day is the beginning of a new path, a demanding path.” His acknowledgment of difficulty suggests no illusions about the hard work required to sustain this accord.

Indeed, lofty agreements often crumble under the weight of local grudges and power struggles. If this deal holds, it will be because Trump’s team stays engaged, not because of vague international goodwill.

The refugee provisions and justice mechanisms in the Accords are critical, yet historically tough to enforce. Without ironclad follow-through, these promises risk becoming just another footnote in a long history of failed interventions.

Securing Resources While Building Stability

Trump’s announcement of U.S. purchases of rare earth minerals from both nations adds a pragmatic layer to this peace effort. It ties American economic needs to the stability of a region long exploited for its resources without reaping the benefits.

This move sidesteps the progressive obsession with endless aid packages that often enrich corrupt elites. Instead, it offers a trade-based partnership, potentially fostering self-reliance over dependency.

Critics might scoff at blending commerce with peace, but securing these minerals strengthens U.S. industries while giving Rwanda and Congo a stake in lasting calm. It’s a sharp contrast to policies that prioritize moral posturing over tangible outcomes.

A Defining Moment Worth Watching Closely

As the ink dries on the Washington Accords, the world watches a rare alignment of diplomacy and national interest. Trump’s ability to bring Kagame and Tshisekedi to the table could redefine how America engages with global conflicts.

Yet, the true test lies in whether this ceasefire endures beyond the photo ops and press releases. A region weary of war deserves more than temporary reprieve; it needs a foundation for lasting security.

For now, this deal stands as a testament to prioritizing results over rhetoric, a refreshing change from diplomatic efforts bogged down by ideological agendas. If it succeeds, it might just prove that peace and profit can, occasionally, walk hand in hand.