Rwanda, DRCongo sign historic peace agreement in Washington
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda signed a peace agreement on Friday, June 27, in Washington, D.C.
Rwanda and the DRC were represented by their respective Foreign Ministers, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner at a signing ceremony witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Nduhungirehe, expressed sincere appreciation to President Donald Trump for his personal engagement in facilitating this historic agreement.
He also extended gratitude to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Advisor Massad Boulos and the entire State Department team.
“Your dedication has been indispensable. This agreement is the product of a mass of coordinated efforts by multiple actors.”
Minister Nduhungire also acknowledged other key players for contribution that led to this milestone, including the State of Qatar, which played a crucial role.
“Indeed the opening which led to today’s agreement began in Doha. We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar’s mediation efforts led by Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi to secure a peace agreement between the DRC government and the AFC M23.”
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister also emphasized that the signed deal builds on African-led peace initiatives, led by the African Union Facilitator, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and highlighted the key components of the agreement.
According to Amb. Nduhungirehe, the heart of this peace agreement is the decision to establish a standing Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between Rwanda and the DRC.
“The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralization of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region,” he noted.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister also highlighted other advantages of the agreement, including commitments to facilitate the return of refugees and enhance economic cooperation.
“With this agreement, we also committed to facilitate the return of refugees in our respective territories, with the support of UNHCR. Creating the conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees is vital to achieving lasting peace.
"We also look to enhanced economic cooperation, including with American companies and investors. Shared growth and cross border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries,” he stated.
Minister Nduhungirehe concluded his remarks expressing optimism about the success of the deal and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment.
“With the continued support of the United States and other partners, we believe that a turning point has been reached. Rwanda stands ready to work with the DRC to deliver on our joint commitments.”
The signed deal follows years of strained relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, stemming from reciprocal accusations.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls large swathes of eastern DRC, including key cities like Bukavu and Goma, an allegation Rwanda vehemently denies.
Instead, Rwanda accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and urges the country to resolve its internal issues without dragging Rwanda into its affairs.
In his address, U.S. Secretart of State Marco Rubio underscored the significance of the moment, noting that after three decades of conflict in eastern DRC, this agreement represents a critical step toward lasting stability, with President Trump’s administration deeply committed to prioritizing peace as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Department of State, the African Union, and Qatar, emphasizing the pivotal role of U.S. envoy Massad Boulos in driving the negotiations forward.
Rubio further elaborated that the agreement is not solely about ending hostilities but about creating opportunities for people to thrive, fostering hopes for economic growth, cross-border cooperation, and family reunification, which he described as essential for a meaningful and prosperous life.
He expressed optimism about the deal’s potential to unlock the region’s economic potential, particularly through partnerships with American businesses, while acknowledging that challenges remain in ensuring its effective implementation.
