The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have signed a peace agreement at the U.S. State Department, signaling a potential end to a conflict that’s been raging since 1997. The deal, facilitated by the United States, is a promising step towards peace in a war that has tragically claimed over six million lives. President Trump welcomed these leaders to the Oval Office for this historic event, marking the conclusion of a 30-year struggle.
“Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope,” President Trump proudly stated. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed the agreement alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ceremony took place in the prestigious Harry S. Truman Building, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic achievement.
The peace agreement primarily aims to end hostilities between Kinshasa and the M23 rebel group, an armed insurgency backed by Rwanda. This group has been a dominant force in eastern Congo in recent years, causing widespread devastation and disruption. The accord outlines clear steps for peace, including the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory within 90 days.
Additionally, the agreement calls for the establishment of an economic integration framework and a joint security coordination mechanism within a specified timeframe. A copy of the agreement, obtained by Reuters, highlights these crucial components aimed at fostering peace and cooperation. Trump commended the efforts of Rubio and senior adviser for Africa Massad Boulos in facilitating the negotiations.
President Trump, with characteristic candor, admitted he was initially out of his depth regarding the conflict. However, he acknowledged the significance of the war, describing it as one of the worst globally. He credited the resolution to having the right people in place to negotiate peace.
Following the signing ceremony, Nduhungirehe and Wagner visited the White House to meet with President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Rubio. Congolese journalist Hariana Veras took a moment to thank Trump for his administration’s attention to the crisis. She highlighted the potential of Congo and the need for support to overcome the devastating effects of the war.
Veras expressed gratitude on behalf of President Tshisekedi and the Congolese people, appreciating Trump’s commitment to peace. She also mentioned that President Tshisekedi is considering nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, in a characteristically light-hearted manner, thanked her and complimented her appearance, adding a moment of levity to the serious occasion.
Trump expressed his deep concern for the region, acknowledging the immense suffering caused by the conflict. He noted the beauty of the region, overshadowed by war and loss. With the signing of this agreement, he looked forward to a future of peace and prosperity for the people of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a diplomatic move, Trump extended his appreciation to Qatar, Togo, and the African Union for their roles in advancing the peace process. He also issued a stern warning to both Kigali and Kinshasa about potential penalties should they not adhere to the agreement’s terms. Both foreign ministers expressed cautious optimism, recognizing the importance of U.S. involvement in maintaining the peace.
Wagner emphasized the need for continued commitment from the United States to ensure the agreement’s success. She urged the American administration to hold both parties accountable. Nduhungirehe attributed the agreement’s potential success to Trump’s leadership and the administration’s focus on regional economic integration.
There was acknowledgment of past mediation efforts that had failed, but the ministers expressed hope that this time would be different. Boulos referred to the peace agreement as the “Washington Accord,” a title endorsed by Trump. In a humorous aside, Trump quipped that he would have preferred the name “Trump Accord.”
Secretary Rubio praised the leaders for choosing the challenging path of peace over war. He noted that wars often receive more attention, but achieving peace is where the real difficulty lies. Rubio commended the courage of the leaders in taking the steps necessary to reach this agreement.
The signing of the peace deal was preceded by a Declaration of Principles signed in April in Washington. This laid the groundwork for the comprehensive agreement now in place. Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame are anticipated to return to Washington soon to finalize the full protocol.
The conflict escalated significantly in January when the M23 rebel group launched an offensive. This offensive captured key locations like Goma and Bukavu, causing widespread turmoil. The Congolese army and U.N. forces faced significant challenges in responding to these developments.
