Testing the limits of peace: What the DRC-Rwanda deal reveals about mediation today

In an era defined by protracted conflicts and geopolitical stalemates, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda offered a glimmer of hope with a rare diplomatic breakthrough. On 27 June 2025, under the mediation of the United States, the two countries signed a peace accord aimed at ending years of cross-border hostilities, armed insurgencies, and mutual blame. While sceptics may view this agreement with caution, its very occurrence signals a potential revival of peace diplomacy at a time when such efforts often falter under geopolitical strain.

A conflict rooted in history

The DRC-Rwanda relationship has been marred by decades of tension, going back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the subsequent spillover of violence into eastern Congo. Over the years, Rwanda has accused the DRC of harbouring anti-Rwandan rebels, while the DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. The mineral-rich Kivu region has remained a flashpoint, entangled in local grievances, transnational militia networks, and the economic incentives of conflict.

Despite multiple ceasefires and regional efforts, violence persisted, displacing millions and undermining regional stability. Previous peace efforts, including those led by the African Union and regional blocs, failed to establish sustained progress. In this context, the June 2025 accord is remarkable not just for its content but for its context.

The Accord: Diplomatic terms and implementation pathways

The peace agreement, signed in Washington, DC, outlines several critical commitments. Rwanda agrees to withdraw its military presence from eastern DRC territory. The DRC pledges to sever ties with armed groups, including M23, and facilitate demobilisation. Joint border monitoring mechanisms are to be established with international oversight and supervision. A roadmap for regional economic cooperation is to be developed.

The accord was facilitated by US diplomats, notably including US President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio, marking a high-profile US re-entry into African peace mediation. Qatar also played a backstage diplomatic role, reflecting the increasing diversification of mediation actors in peace diplomacy.

Peace diplomacy in action: Lessons and contradictions

This diplomatic breakthrough presents several key takeaways for understanding peace diplomacy in 2025.

First, the involvement of US President Donald Trump drew media attention and lent political weight to the negotiations. While controversial, Trump’s presence served a diplomatic purpose: legitimising the talks and forcing both sides to the table. This raises the question of whether high-profile mediators help amplify peace efforts or overshadow local ownership.

Second, Qatar’s quiet role in facilitating dialogue, alongside traditional Western actors, reflects a shift toward a multipolar mediation environment. Peace diplomacy is no longer the exclusive domain of Western powers or multilateral organisations. Middle powers and Gulf states are increasingly acting as brokers, often leveraging economic ties and neutral reputations.

Third, the M23 rebel group was not directly included in the peace negotiations, nor were Congolese civil society actors. This top-down approach to peace diplomacy may expedite agreements but risks undermining long-term legitimacy. Inclusive peace processes, as many scholars and practitioners argue, are more resilient.

Fourth, signing a peace accord is only the beginning. The real test lies in implementation. Will Rwanda truly withdraw its forces? Can the DRC dismantle the M23? What role will international monitors play, and how will local populations perceive the agreement?

Fifth, the African Union and regional organisations, such as the East African Community, were notably absent from the final stages of negotiation. This raises a perennial tension in peace diplomacy: should regional conflicts be resolved within the region, or do they require external pressure and resources? This accord, for better or worse, leaned towards external mediation.

What does it mean for peace diplomacy today?

The DRC-Rwanda accord may not be perfect, but it provides a valuable case study for peace diplomacy in today’s fractured world order. Here are a few reflections on its broader significance.

Diplomacy still matters. In a time when many conflicts are frozen or escalating, and multilateral institutions appear gridlocked, this peace deal serves as a reminder that diplomacy can still deliver results when political will and strategic mediation align.

Personalised diplomacy is back. The use of individual political figures, such as Trump and Rubio, reflects a growing trend where diplomacy becomes personalised and performative. While this has risks, it also enables breakthroughs that traditional bureaucracies may not achieve.

Hybrid mediation models are emerging. The combination of US visibility and Qatari discretion showcases how hybrid models of mediation can be effective, drawing on different strengths from visibility and legitimacy to quiet facilitation.

Peace is a process, not a paper. Ultimately, the durability of this agreement will depend not just on signatures but on sustained dialogue, monitoring, and inclusive implementation. Peace diplomacy must evolve beyond elite deals to durable, society-wide solutions.

Looking ahead: Hope, with caution

The DRC-Rwanda peace accord is a cautious win for diplomacy in 2025. It does not resolve all underlying issues, nor does it ensure a violence-free future for eastern Congo. But it demonstrates that even amid global cynicism, diplomatic breakthroughs are still possible.

As the world faces intersecting crises, from climate change to AI arms races and regional wars, this accord reminds us that negotiation, not confrontation, remains the cornerstone of international relations. Peace diplomacy is alive, but it needs nurturing, creativity, and, above all, inclusion.

The question now is whether this fragile step can grow into lasting peace and whether the lessons of this case can inform other efforts in Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, or the South China Sea. The world is watching. Diplomats, take note.