Technical teams from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) initialed the text of a peace agreement on June 18, 2025, in preparation for its official signing by ministers on June 27, 2025. The signing will be witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The initialing of the peace agreement was observed by U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. This development was confirmed in a joint statement released by the governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda. According to the statement, the

Technical teams from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) initialed the text of a peace agreement on June 18, 2025, in preparation for its official signing by ministers on June 27, 2025. The signing will be witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The initialing of the peace agreement was observed by U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. This development was confirmed in a joint statement released by the governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda. According to the statement, the agreement was developed over three days of constructive dialogue addressing political, security, and economic issues. It builds on the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025. The Agreement includes provisions on respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities; disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups; establishment of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism that incorporates the CONOPS of October 31, 2024; facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as humanitarian access; and a regional economic integration framework. “Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the valuable contributions and joint efforts of the United States and Qatar in advancing a peaceful resolution,” the joint statement read. “We look forward to the upcoming Summit of Heads of State in Washington, D.C., which will further promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the Great Lakes region,” the statement concluded.

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