DR Congo and Rwanda sign US-brokered peace agreement in Washington
13 oC
13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a landmark peace and economic agreement in Washington, DC, under the mediation of US President Donald Trump, marking what officials described as a historic step toward ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on Thursday signed a “historic” peace and economic cooperation agreement during a ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, DC.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the ceremony, alongside representatives from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Senegal and other partners who supported the mediation process.Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Trump expressed deep satisfaction over the agreement, saying the DRC-Rwanda conflict had claimed millions of lives and dragged on for decades.
“Today is a great day. A very important day for Africa, for the world, and especially for these two nations,” Trump said. “We are here to finalize a historic agreement that will end one of the longest and most devastating wars on Earth. More than 10 million people have lost their lives. Today, we commit to stopping decades of violence and bloodshed and to begin a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.”
Trump praised both leaders, calling them “truly courageous,” and said he expected rapid progress on the ground. “I think you will see very quick results. I believe this is the beginning of a new chapter,” he added.
‘A turning point’
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi expressed gratitude to the United States, as well as to Qatar, for their efforts in facilitating the negotiations.“On behalf of the Congolese people, I feel deep gratitude and hope as we place our signatures beneath this joint declaration,” Tshisekedi said. “The Washington Agreement is not an ordinary document; it represents a turning point. We believe today marks the beginning of a new path—difficult, but decisive.”He added.
He affirmed that the DRC is fully committed to implementing all obligations under the agreement and voiced confidence that Rwanda will adhere to its commitments as well.
Kagame: ‘Qatar played a vital role’
Rwandan President Paul Kagame also thanked both the US and Qatar for their involvement in reaching the deal.
“Qatar’s role in bringing us to this point has been vital. And of course, the greatest thanks go to President Donald Trump,” Kagame said. “No one expected President Trump to take on this responsibility, yet he acted immediately to help advance peace.”
Kagame noted that although challenges lie ahead, the agreement provides a foundation for renewed hope. “There will be ups and downs, no doubt. Our only goal is to ensure the security and stability of our country. We wish to look ahead with hope toward a future built on prosperity and peace.”
The agreement includes the complete cessation of hostilities between the two countries, full respect for the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the reaffirmation of Congo’s sovereign authority over the extraction and processing of its mineral resources. Strengthening economic cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC is also among the core components of the accord. The parties emphasize that these steps will not only de-escalate current tensions but also pave the way for deeper regional integration, noting that stability in the mineral-rich region is expected to accelerate economic development.
Joint signing
The agreement was signed by President Trump, President Kagame and President Tshisekedi. The ceremony concluded with a call for international partners to support the implementation process and ensure that the commitments made in Washington translate into sustained peace on the ground.
The conflict in eastern DRC has for decades been one of Africa’s deadliest crises, displacing millions and destabilizing the wider Great Lakes region. Officials hope Thursday’s agreement will lay the groundwork for the long-awaited end of prolonged violence. (ILKHA)
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