While the DRC–Rwanda peace deal is being celebrated as a diplomatic win for the region, it is also increasingly clear that Washington has its own strategic reasons for pushing this accord across the finish line.

The deal, signed on June 27, 2025, at the U.S. State Department, marked a formal commitment by both countries to cease hostilities, withdraw troops, and set up a joint oversight mechanism to enforce peace. Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda both praised the agreement, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior Trump advisor Massad Boulos present at the signing.

But beyond the diplomacy, what does the U.S. stand to gain?

The answer lies in the ground beneath eastern DRC. The region is home to some of the world’s most valuable mineral deposits, including cobalt, lithium, and coltan. These are critical to the clean energy transition, from electric vehicles to solar panels to smartphones. More than 70 percent of global cobalt production comes from the DRC, but much of it has historically been controlled by Chinese-backed interests.

According to reports, the peace deal opens the door for billions in U.S. and Western investment in mining, processing, and infrastructure projects across both countries. Some of the early focus is on relocating refining capacity to Rwanda, which is considered more stable and logistically manageable.

This is not just about minerals. It is also about geopolitical influence. With China and Russia deepening their ties across Africa through trade, infrastructure, and security deals, the U.S. is under pressure to demonstrate active engagement. The DRC–Rwanda deal provides Washington a diplomatic win and a potential foothold in Central Africa’s resource economy.

But implementation questions remain. The M23 rebel group, which has seized large parts of eastern DRC, was not included in the peace framework. Rwanda continues to deny links to the group, though Kinshasa has insisted otherwise. Observers warn that unless this and other issues are addressed, the deal may struggle to deliver real peace.

Still, for now, the accord provides the U.S. with a stronger hand in shaping the future of strategic minerals, global supply chains, and Africa’s diplomatic landscape. The benefits, while not openly detailed, are likely to extend beyond peacekeeping into energy policy, industry development, and long-term economic diplomacy.