US president Donald Trump is set to host the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington as part of a renewed diplomatic effort to ease escalating tensions in Africa’s Great Lakes region. The planned talks, expected to take place in the coming days, mark one of the administration’s most visible interventions in a conflict that has drawn international concern and contributed to widespread humanitarian suffering.
A high-stakes meeting
The White House confirmed that Rwandan president Paul Kagame and DR Congo’s president Félix Tshisekedi have been invited for direct talks aimed at lowering tensions along their shared border. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply over the past year, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of backing the M23 rebel movement—allegations Rwanda denies. The meeting is seen as an attempt to jump-start stalled negotiations and push both sides towards a framework for de-escalation.
US aims to stabilise the region
Washington has repeatedly warned that further deterioration in eastern DR Congo could threaten regional stability and exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis. Millions of civilians have been displaced by fighting between government forces, militias, and armed groups, with the UN reporting increasing levels of violence in recent months. By hosting Kagame and Tshisekedi together, the US hopes to assert diplomatic leverage and encourage commitments to reduce hostilities.
Regional complexities remain
Despite the diplomatic momentum, analysts caution that the path to lasting peace remains fraught. Eastern DR Congo’s conflict landscape is shaped by decades of mistrust, ethnic tensions, and competing regional interests. Rwanda maintains that instability along the border is fuelled by armed groups hostile to its security, including remnants of the FDLR militia. Congolese officials, meanwhile, argue that foreign interference is undermining sovereignty and prolonging the crisis.
International implications
The planned talks underscore Washington’s broader attempt to re-engage in African peace and security issues, particularly at a time when global attention has shifted elsewhere. European and African Union officials are expected to follow the discussions closely, hoping that a more coordinated approach could create space for renewed ceasefire efforts and meaningful dialogue. For the communities affected by years of conflict, the meeting offers cautious hope but no guarantee of immediate change.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 4 December 2025
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