Rwanda, DRC sign Washington Accord

The long-discussed peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was officially signed in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony attended by several African Heads of State. At 6:55 p.m. GMT , U.S. President Donald Trump invited both Heads of State to sign the agreement after discussions and speeches that reviewed the path to resolving the conflict and committing to the deal’s implementation. Earlier, President Trump had met Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the Oval Office for a brief discussion on the upcoming signing. The meeting began at around 6:00 p.m. GMT time, after which Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi was also received. Following their joint talks, the two African leaders proceeded separately to the signing ceremony at the U.S. Institute of Peace, a U.S. government institution dedicated to promoting peace. President Trump highlighted the symbolic importance of hosting the signing at the institution. “We are here together, for the first time in this building. It is a beautiful new building. I do not want to tell you how much it cost because it is a lot; they don’t build cheap things here,” he said. The event drew several high-level attendees, including Angola’s President João Lourenço, Kenya’s President William Ruto, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo was also present. Trump described the signing as a historic moment for the region. He said it was “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries,” adding that he had held positive discussions with both leaders. “Today, we commit to ending decades of violence and bloodshed, and to beginning a new era of peace and partnership between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said, while thanking Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi for their readiness to conclude the deal. “I want to thank these two exceptional, truly exceptional, leaders — President Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Kagame of Rwanda. They are remarkable people.” President Kagame thanked the Heads of State who attended the ceremony, saying their presence demonstrated strong support for the peace process. Addressing President Trump, African leaders, and international envoys, Kagame expressed appreciation for the collective diplomatic effort that led to the agreement. He commended regional partners and highlighted Qatar’s contribution to the talks: “I also thank Minister of State, Gulaif, representing His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad of Qatar. The role of Qatar has been absolutely central in getting us to this point.” Kagame praised President Trump’s mediation, describing it as unique and decisive: “No one was asking President Trump to take up this task. Our region is far from the headlines. But when the President saw the opportunity to contribute to peace, he immediately took it.” He credited Trump with bringing renewed momentum to a process that had stalled for decades. Kagame called Trump’s approach “even-handed” and focused on the future: “President Trump introduced a new and effective dynamic that created the space for breakthroughs. His approach is even-handed, never taking sides.”

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He also thanked members of the U.S. diplomatic team for their involvement: “Here I want to single out Secretary Rubio and Massad Bulos for special appreciation. We would not be here today without their efforts.” He assured the audience of Rwanda’s full commitment to the agreement and reiterated Rwanda’s desire for enduring security after its tragic past. Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye said the day brought hope to the people of the East African region. He thanked all who contributed to the accord and prayed for guidance for those involved in implementing it. “That is why I ask all of you to contribute to putting this agreement into action,” he said. Kenyan President William Ruto affirmed his country’s support: “We will do everything possible to ensure this agreement is achieved,” he said, while also urging President Trump to help address the ongoing conflict in Sudan.