The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a landmark Declaration of Principles in Washington D.C., marking a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending years of conflict and mistrust in the eastern DRC.
The agreement, signed on Friday by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the signing as “a critical step toward stability, prosperity, and mutual respect in the Great Lakes region.”
The declaration outlines six core commitments:
Mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Addressing legitimate security concerns
Promoting regional economic integration
Facilitating the voluntary return of displaced persons
Supporting the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO)
Laying the groundwork for a formal and lasting peace agreement
In his remarks, Secretary Rubio hailed the declaration as a critical step toward ending violence and unlocking the region’s potential.
“This declaration establishes a fundamental framework for regional governance, security, and economic cooperation, aiming to end decades of conflict and unlock the region’s full potential,” Rubio stated, commending the commitment of both nations to engage in vital dialogue.
Rubio also acknowledged the challenges of achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC, a region plagued by 30 years of instability.
“For 30 years, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has endured persistent conflict. Achieving durable peace and long-lasting economic development will not be easy, but it is critical,” he said.
Rubio credited President Donald Trump’s administration for prioritizing global peace, emphasizing that the signing reflects Trump’s vision for a peaceful resolution in the region.
He highlighted the broader benefits of stability, stating, “A durable peace in the Great Lakes region will pave the way for greater U.S. and Western investment, fostering economic opportunities and prosperity.”
He noted that American firms, as responsible corporate citizens, would promote good governance and reliable supply chains for critical minerals, benefiting regional governments and international partners.
Rubio stressed that peace is essential for economic progress, which would allow millions of displaced people to return to safer communities.
“This stability will enable millions of displaced people to return to safer communities, access new economic opportunities, and rebuild lives that have been disrupted for generations,” he affirmed.
The Secretary also praised the African Union and regional economic communities for their foundational role in facilitating dialogue.
“We must recognize the incredible work of the African Union and regional economic communities in Africa, which have laid the groundwork for these talks,” Rubio said.
He committed to ongoing U.S. collaboration with these partners to ensure the initiative’s success.
In closing, Rubio thanked Senior Adviser Massad Boulos and his counterparts in the DRC and Rwanda for their dedication.
“Today marks a significant step toward a peaceful and prosperous Great Lakes region,” he concluded, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to supporting the region’s path to stability and growth.
Speaking on behalf of President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan government, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of tackling root causes and fostering regional cooperation for lasting peace.
“Today, we are talking about the real issues, the root causes that must be addressed, to achieve a lasting peace in our region,” Amb. Nduhungirehe said, underscoring the focus on security, refugee return, and economic integration through new regional value chains with American investment.
He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Senior Adviser Massad Boulos for their roles in advancing the dialogue.
Amb. Nduhungirehe also noted that the Declaration of Principles supports African-led peace efforts, including those under the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Qatar’s Doha track, with the ultimate goal of a comprehensive peace agreement.
