Trump falsely claims to have ended decades-long war in Congo

In June 2025, a peace deal was signed between Congo and Rwanda, which U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he helped broker. Following Trump's announcement, many residents in Congo reported ongoing clashes among armed groups, specifically the M23 rebels and local militia, contradicting Trump's assertion that he had ended the war. Local human rights officials in South Kivu province indicated that communities were still fleeing violence due to ongoing fighting, with insufficient humanitarian assistance available to those affected. Christian Rumu from Amnesty International voiced skepticism regarding Trump's claims, emphasizing that the continuing hostilities make it clear that the war has not yet concluded. Despite initial optimism about the peace agreement, activists and analysts in the region expressed concerns that the initiative lacked enforceable measures, leading to an ongoing stalemate. Amani Safari, a student from Goma—one of the cities most directly impacted by the conflict—stated that there had been no tangible improvements since the agreement was signed. This points to a broader issue where the perception of the United States' involvement is seen as mainly driven by its own interests, rather than the genuine resolution of the conflict. Civil society leaders in the affected areas have become increasingly pessimistic about the prospect of lasting peace. John Banyene, a local leader, noted that residents are discouraged by the slow pace of dialogue and see no sign of a definitive resolution. According to political analyst Christian Moleka, while Trump's involvement may have initially fostered some discussions towards peace, complex local dynamics continue to challenge the achievement of a true resolution. The ongoing conflict includes a mix of local identity issues and land disputes, alongside the repercussions from neighboring states' crises, revealing how intricate the situation in eastern Congo really is. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, local activists like Espoir Muhinuka are calling for effective actions to ensure the peace deal's provisions are actually implemented, warning that failure in this regard may be viewed as a betrayal of the affected populations. The overall situation remains precarious with many looking towards international stakeholders, especially the U.S., to take decisive steps to secure a lasting ceasefire that respects the needs and rights of Congolese people. This scenario reflects not only the challenges faced by the region but also raises significant questions about the credibility of external claims made by global leaders regarding conflict resolution.