DRC Rwanda Sign Peace Deal Ending Decades of Conflict

In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement brokered by the United States. The deal, signed on Friday in Washington, D.C., aims to end years of tension and violence in the Great Lakes region of Africa. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the agreement as a "significant step toward de-escalation, peace, and stability."

Eastern DRC has been plagued by decades of conflict, fueled by political instability, ethnic tensions, and the presence of armed rebel groups. The violence has resulted in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing millions of people. The peace agreement offers new hope for the region, with Guterres emphasizing the importance of halting hostilities and honoring all terms outlined in the agreement and under UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025).

This peace deal was made possible through U.S. mediation, with strong support from Qatar and the African Union. Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé served as the AU’s lead mediator. The process also involved key coordination with five regional co-facilitators, selected by both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. At the signing ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the commitment of all parties involved and noted the importance of sustained diplomacy in resolving long-standing regional conflicts.

The United Nations, through its peacekeeping mission in the Congo (MONUSCO), has pledged full support in helping implement the terms of the agreement. Guterres reiterated that the UN will work in close coordination with the African Union, regional blocs, and international partners to ensure that peace efforts are not just symbolic but sustainable. “I urge the parties to honor in full the commitments they have undertaken,” Guterres said, stressing that this includes the immediate cessation of hostilities and other critical security measures.

While the agreement is being praised worldwide, observers acknowledge that the road ahead will be challenging. Trust between the DRC and Rwanda has been severely strained over the years, especially over allegations of support for rebel factions and cross-border attacks. However, with major international backing and an outlined framework for accountability and monitoring, there is cautious optimism that the region could finally see lasting peace.

This peace deal stands not only as a diplomatic win but also as a potential turning point for millions of people affected by instability. The agreement focuses on two main pillars: security and economic cooperation. Both nations have pledged to cease all hostilities, both direct and indirect, and to work towards regional economic integration within 90 days. This includes forming a joint security coordination mechanism and fostering closer ties with the United States and other regional bodies.

The deal also outlines a three-part economic strategy aimed at stabilizing the region. This strategy includes enhanced cooperation between Kinshasa and Kigali, as well as stronger regional links through groups like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the East African Community, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed his gratitude for the U.S. role in facilitating the agreement, acknowledging the administration's realization of the conflict's severity and duration.

The signing of this peace deal is a significant development in the region's history, offering hope for a more stable and prosperous future. The UN and the international community have welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a crucial step towards de-escalation, peace, and stability in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region. The deal's success will depend on the commitment of both nations to implement the agreed measures and to work together towards a common goal of peace and prosperity.