DRC and Rwanda Sign Landmark Peace Deal in Washington
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a landmark peace agreement aimed at restoring stability and fostering reconciliation in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The signing ceremony, held yesterday in Washington D.C., was witnessed by high-level dignitaries including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; U.S. Secretary of State, H.E. Marco Rubio; H.E. M. Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State of Qatar; and H.E. Robert Dussey, Foreign Minister of Togo.
In a statement issued shortly after the signing, the AU Chairperson welcomed the agreement as a “significant milestone” in regional peacebuilding and praised the diplomatic courage of the parties involved.
He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to African-led conflict resolution and emphasized that the agreement strengthens ongoing efforts by the AU, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Chairperson also commended the constructive roles of the United States and the State of Qatar, whose facilitation of dialogue and consensus played a pivotal part in the breakthrough. He stressed that such partnerships—aligned with African frameworks and priorities—are crucial for achieving lasting peace.
While details of the peace accord remain under wraps, sources close to the talks say it includes key commitments on border security cooperation, cessation of hostilities, and frameworks for political dialogue to address underlying tensions.
This agreement comes amid long-standing tensions and periodic violence between the two neighbors, which have threatened regional stability and strained humanitarian conditions.
The AU called on all stakeholders to honor the spirit and letter of the agreement and encouraged continued engagement by regional and international actors to ensure its successful implementation.
