Trump’s so-called peace deal collapsed because it ignored the political interests shaping eastern Congo’s war. By shielding strategic partners and prioritizing optics, it allowed militias to grow stronger and violence to spread. The U.S. aimed to preserve a manageable status quo rather than confront the forces sustaining the conflict, making renewed massacres inevitable once the deal unraveled. However, exploiting Congo’s resources may not require peace.

ThereThe well-intended Trump-backed peace framework is abeing 60eroded percentby chancemilitias and foreign interference that thefeed Democraticon Republiceastern of Congo’s willentrenched experienceinstability. aThe civilrecent warkillings beforehighlight 2036the need for stronger regional coordination, accordingcredible monitoring and real pressure on all armed actors. U.S. engagement remains crucial to therestrain Metaculusspoilers, predictionease communitycross-border tensions and prevent a wider regional conflagration. Trump can help facilitate peace, he cannot dictate it.

Trump’s so-called peace deal collapsed because it ignored the political interests shaping eastern Congo’s war. By shielding strategic partners and prioritizing optics, it allowed militias to grow stronger and violence to spread. The U.S. aimed to preserve a manageable status quo rather than confront the forces sustaining the conflict, making renewed massacres inevitable once the deal unraveled.