In Washington D.C., the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a new peace agreement. The United States helped to create this deal. The goal is to stop a long conflict between the two countries. The meeting was hosted by former US President Donald Trump. Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda both promised to follow the agreement.
The conflict is very old and complicated. Eastern Congo has many minerals but is not stable. Rwanda says Congo protects a Hutu rebel group called the FDLR. Congo and many other countries say Rwanda supports a different rebel group called M23. This year, the M23 group took control of large areas, and many people had to leave their homes.
The two countries first had secret talks in Qatar. Then, President Trump invited the leaders and other African officials to Washington. The main parts of the agreement are clear. Rwanda must stop helping the M23 rebels. Congo must deal with the threat from the FDLR group. Both countries must respect each other's borders.
They signed the deal even though there was new fighting recently. Each side blamed the other for breaking the peace. President Trump said he was hopeful and believed the leaders would follow the agreement. President Kagame thanked the US for its help.
Experts say the real test is what happens next in the region. Many armed groups are still there. But this agreement is an important step. It could help end the fighting that has caused a major humanitarian crisis. President Trump also said the US is interested in buying rare minerals from both countries, linking peace to economic partnership.