US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda was negotiated in Washington. The two African nations, long at odds over conflict in eastern DRC, announced in a joint statement on Wednesday that they had initialed a deal aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities. 

"This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World!" Trump posted on Truth Social, celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough. The deal was achieved after three days of negotiations between the two countries' delegations and builds on a declaration of principles signed in April.

Officials from DR Congo and Rwanda are expected in Washington on Monday to prepare for the official signing on June 27. The agreement marks a potentially transformative moment for the region, though observers remain cautious about its long-term impact.

Despite achieving the deal, Trump voiced frustration over what he sees as continued snubs from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He cited his previous roles in mediating conflicts involving India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and his efforts in maintaining stability between Egypt and Ethiopia.

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He also demanded recognition for his part in the normalization accords, which sought to normalize ties between "Israel" and several Arab states. "Trump Nobel Peace Prize" discussions have resurfaced, especially after Pakistan's government announced Friday it would officially recommend Trump for the 2026 award "in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership" during recent conflicts.

Trump has previously been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times by supporters and political allies. He often contrasts his record with that of President Barack Obama, who received the prize in 2009 soon after taking office, a decision Trump has repeatedly criticized.

Critics on Trump's 'achievements'

While Trump touts his diplomatic record, critics argue that some of his claimed achievements were overstated. For example, the Serbia-Kosovo agreements signed in 2020 were criticized for being vague and quickly falling apart. Moreover, Indian officials have dismissed his role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Additionally, the normalization accords' goal of "unifying the Middle East" remains elusive, as "Israel" has waged war on the region, particularly the genocide in Gaza and its current war on Iran.

In context, the United States, under Trump, has vetoed a United Nations resolution to end the war in Gaza while providing unlimited arms to "Israel" to use against civilians in the Strip. Also, Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran and its civilians since the start of the aggression, going as far as threatening to assassinate Iran's leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei. 

Read more: Sayyed Khamenei warns of dire consequences if US joins war on Iran