In what the Trump administration is calling a "historic" event, President Donald Trump is set to welcome Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi to Washington for a peace agreement signing. The White House is touting this meeting as a monumental attempt to stabilize the conflict-ridden eastern Congo, but one has to wonder,will it result in real change or is it merely a staged performance for the cameras?

According to White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, both leaders are poised to ink what is being described as a “historic peace and economic” deal. After months of negotiations, largely credited to the Trump administration's involvement, Tshisekedi has already confirmed his attendance, emphasizing the deal’s significance for both countries. But is this really a breakthrough, or just another diplomatic checkbox for the Trump administration?

This upcoming summit is meant to build on a previous peace deal from June, signed by foreign ministers, and an economic framework from November. However, many are skeptical,can a mere agreement on paper truly address the deep-rooted tensions between Rwanda and the DRC?

At the heart of these negotiations lies the contentious M23 rebel group, a persistent thorn in the side of regional stability. The DRC government insists that any peace deal hinges on Rwanda cutting ties with this rebel faction. Meanwhile, Kagame points fingers at Congolese authorities for dragging their feet, complicating what is already a convoluted situation. Are these leaders genuinely invested in peace, or is this just another round of political theater?

Kagame has cautiously expressed optimism about the forthcoming agreement, insisting that real peace in eastern Congo can only materialize if all parties are sincerely committed. This begs the question: are these commitments substantive, or just empty words meant to placate the international community?

Moreover, the DRC is also pursuing separate negotiations with the M23 group in Qatar, where a peace framework was signed on November 15. This dual approach highlights the intricate web of interests and stakeholders involved in the eastern Congo crisis,suggesting that the road to peace is anything but straightforward.

The signing of this peace agreement in Washington is being hailed as a pivotal moment for stability in a region long plagued by violence and humanitarian disasters.