Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement on Friday in Washington, marking a significant step toward de-escalating a deadly conflict that has gripped the region throughout the year. The accord, brokered by the United States, seeks to end fighting that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The signing ceremony was held at the U.S. Department of State, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the foreign ministers of both nations. The agreement is part of a broader diplomatic effort led by Washington to stabilize the Great Lakes region, which has long suffered from recurrent conflict.
As announced last month, the peace framework includes a major economic component involving billions of dollars in investments by U.S. and Western companies. These investments will target mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and related infrastructure development in both countries. Rwanda is expected to play a key role in the processing of minerals, underscoring its strategic importance in the regional supply chain.
Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor on African affairs, confirmed that the terms of the agreement also include Rwanda’s commitment to lift certain “defensive measures” it had previously implemented. The easing of military posturing is seen as a crucial confidence-building step that could pave the way for longer-term stability between the two neighboring nations.
The deal is viewed as a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a region where political mistrust and armed confrontations have often derailed peace efforts. Both parties are now expected to follow through with the agreement’s terms in the coming months, with continued international support and oversight anticipated.