Donald Trump's War and Peace

The former President returned to the international stage Thursday, presiding over a historic agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He declared it a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, yet the moment was filled with contradictions.

Fighting continues between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, and the ceremony was accompanied by the James Bond theme Live and Let Die. The event took place at the former headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace, an organization Trump had significantly defunded and reshaped, including putting his own name on the building. A judge has ruled the administrations takeover of the institute illegal, with appeals ongoing.

Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for preparing the building, though the work largely involved renaming the facade and cutting programs. Despite the controversy, the ceremony highlighted Trumps ongoing foreign policy approach, blending the pursuit of peace with a desire to cement his personal legacy.

While signing the Rwanda-DRC agreement, US military operations continued elsewhere. A recent strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific killed four people, raising concerns over potential war crimes and drawing bipartisan scrutiny over similar attacks in September.

The Rwanda-DRC Accord

The deal targets a long-standing Central African conflict involving over 100 armed groups, stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda accuses Congo of harboring genocidal militias, while Congo claims Rwanda supports rebels to control rare earth minerals.

Trump has claimed involvement in ending eight conflicts globally, ranging from India-Pakistan tensions to ceasefires in Gaza. While some of his claims have been criticized as exaggerated, experts acknowledge that he has occasionally wielded US influence effectively to prevent violence, such as in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.

Trumps Peace Approach

Despite skepticism, Trump often voices disdain for unnecessary civilian suffering and has a talent for presenting complex issues in simple terms. His efforts in Gaza and some Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire negotiations show tangible results, even if other initiatives, like his dealings with Russia, appear to favor aggressors over victims.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised Trump for his even-handed approach, emphasizing future-oriented solutions that focus on prosperity and investment. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, however, stressed that the agreements success depends on local commitment, not solely on Trumps involvement.

Economic and Strategic Stakes

During the ceremony, Trump highlighted the economic dimension of the agreement, noting that the US now gains better access to Congos cobalt and coltan resources, critical for batteries, electronics, and defense technology. Theyve spent a lot of time killing each other, and now theyre going to spend a lot of time hugging, holding hands and taking advantage of the United States economically, he remarked.

If the peace deal holds, Trump may claim another diplomatic victory. Yet ongoing controversies, including actions in Venezuela and domestic military deployments, cast doubt on his prospects for international accolades such as the Nobel Peace Prize.

A Sporting Sidebar

The ceremony also featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who will oversee the first FIFA Peace Prize award. Trump jokingly referenced soccer as a very small sport here; over there, football, reflecting his trademark blend of humor and self-promotion.

Whether the agreement brings lasting peace and recognition, it underscores the complex and often paradoxical nature of Trumps foreign policy, blending personal legacy ambitions with genuine attempts at conflict resolution.

Author: Chloe Ramirez