Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a peace agreement in Washington, and aims to end decades of conflict that has claimed thousands of lives in the eastern DRC.
The agreement, brokered with U.S. support, calls for an end to state support for armed groups and the disarmament of militias.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who hosted the foreign ministers of both countries at the White House, celebrated the agreement as a diplomatic victory. “Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity,” he said. Trump also highlighted potential U.S. access to Congolese mineral rights, describing the day as “wonderful.”
Both countries will stop supporting armed groups, including the FDLR, a Hutu militia with roots in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Rwanda will lift its "defensive measures," while the DRC will work to disarm and reintegrate armed groups. A joint security coordination body will be established to oversee the implementation of the agreement.
The agreement also commits to establishing a regional economic integration framework within three months. The deal has received international praise, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling it "a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability."
Observers remain cautious about the agreement's long-term impact, citing the region's history of failed accords.
Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, criticized the agreement, arguing it benefits Rwanda and the U.S. at the expense of the DRC's national sovereignty.
“It would amount to granting a reward for aggression, legitimising the plundering of Congolese natural resources, and forcing the victim to alienate their national heritage by sacrificing justice,” he said in a statement.
While the peace deal marks a potential turning point, its success will depend on consistent implementation, accountability, and whether it delivers meaningful change for those on the ground.
