By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The respective leaders of both the nations of Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Paul Kagame and President Felix Tshisekedi respectively, met to sign a peace agreement in Washington DC at a summit hosted by the United States President Donald Trump.
The bloodshed between the two nations had escalated at a rapid pace between the Congolese government and the rebel forces which are believed to receive backing from Rwanda.
As peace was beginning to beckon, the DR Congo’s army forces believe that it was sabotaged by the M23 Rebels however the rebel forces express that the army had fired on the offensive against the rebel group which tarnished hopes of a ceasefire.
“I have a lot of confidence in both leaders…we’ll keep these commitments. I know they’re going to keep them and follow through on the agreement and create a much brighter future for the people of their countries” said Trump in Washington.
Over the years the two presidents have hurled insults at each other, in which they have accused each other of starting the war between the two nations. Kagame and Tshisekedi have now moved to endorse the peace agreement proposed by Trump as various African leaders of Kenya, Angola, Burundi and Togo were in attendance at the summit hosted in DC.
Kagame took it upon himself to give praise to Trump for his efforts in fostering peace between the two nations and even regarded him as a pragmatic leader and commends Trump for leading a path that seemed unseen between the leaders in conflict.
President Tshisekedi also added to the praise of the American President and also emphasised hope that Rwanda will uphold peace between the two nations. Meanwhile the M23 are holding their own peace talks with the army of the DRC in Qatar.
Trump’s motives for peace between the two nations also attributes to his desire to increase his investments into the region. “And we’re going to take out the rare Earth, take out some of the assets and pay,” said Trump at the Summit as he affirmed that he will send American companies to operate within the two countries to boost the respective economies.