Trump's peace deal was doomed from the start because it failed to address the core issues driving the conflict. The accord ignored the role of militias like M23 and lacked enforcement mechanisms, allowing Rwanda to continue covert support while the DRC maintained hardline positions neither side could back militarily. Without sustained high-level engagement and real consequences for violations, this superficial dealmaking was destined to collapse immediately.

The Washington Accords mark a real breakthrough after three decades of stalled diplomacy in the Rwanda-DRC crisis. Even as clashes persist, Trump injected the decisive energy needed to move parties toward binding commitments, securing a durable ceasefire, structured disarmament, monitored refugee returns and regulated access to critical minerals. It is an imperfect yet pivotal start to a long, demanding process that finally offers a credible path to regional stability.

Trump's peace deal was doomed from the start because it failed to address the core issues driving the conflict. The accord ignored the role of militias like M23 and lacked enforcement mechanisms, allowing Rwanda to continue covert support while the DRC maintained hardline positions neither side could back militarily. Without sustained high-level engagement and real consequences for violations, this superficial dealmaking was destined to collapse immediately.