U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed a new peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, brokered in Washington, while using the occasion to vent his frustration over being repeatedly passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In a post on Truth Social Friday, Trump called the accord “a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World!” The peace deal, initialed earlier this week by the two neighboring nations, aims to end decades of violence in eastern DRC and is scheduled for formal signing in the U.S. capital on June 27.
The breakthrough follows three days of closed-door negotiations and builds upon a declaration of principles signed in April. The resource-rich eastern DRC has suffered waves of conflict, most recently from the resurgence of the M23 rebel group since late 2021.
Despite the diplomatic milestone, Trump’s celebratory message quickly turned personal. He lamented that his role in various international negotiations, including ceasefires between India and Pakistan, dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, and the Abraham Accords, had not earned him the coveted Nobel Peace Prize.
“They gave it to Obama for doing nothing,” Trump said in reference to former President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel win. Trump has frequently criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee and cited his past efforts, including “keeping peace” between Egypt and Ethiopia, as overlooked achievements.
Pakistani officials on Friday announced their intention to formally recommend Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, praising his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during a recent conflict with India. However, Indian authorities have denied that Trump played any role in the de-escalation.
While Trump champions the Abraham Accords as a blueprint for Middle East peace, critics argue the agreements have not prevented the outbreak of new conflicts, such as the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, or brought resolution to the crisis in Gaza. Similarly, the 2020 Serbia-Kosovo agreements have been criticized as lacking substance and durability.
Trump, who campaigned on his prowess as a peacemaker, continues to face scrutiny as wars in Ukraine and Gaza persist five months into his presidency.
Nonetheless, officials from DR Congo and Rwanda are expected in Washington on Monday ahead of the signing ceremony, which both nations hope will mark a turning point in their troubled relationship.
Written By Rodney Mbua
