Rwanda and DRC Sign Historic U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement to End Decades-Long Conflict in Eastern Congo

In a landmark development described as “historic,” Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a comprehensive peace agreement aimed at ending nearly three decades of conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo.

Brokered by the United States, the accord was signed in Washington, D.C., on Friday by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart Thérèse Kayikwamba. The agreement comes amid renewed violence between DRC forces and the M23 rebel group, whose resurgence since late 2021 has destabilized the region and displaced thousands.

The deal takes effect immediately, as confirmed by the official document.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the negotiations, hailed the agreement, stating, “Today marks the end of violence and destruction. The region now enters a new chapter of hope.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who co-signed the agreement, called it a “historic and significant day,” praising America’s leadership in bringing the parties to the table.

Ministers Nduhungirehe and Kayikwamba acknowledged Trump’s “direct and decisive” involvement in ensuring the success of the peace process.

The African Union (AU), which was present at the signing, commended the agreement as “a major step” toward lasting peace, applauding efforts to foster stability, reconciliation, and regional cooperation.

However, not everyone welcomed the deal. Former DRC President Joseph Kabila who led the country for 18 years dismissed the agreement as “a diplomatic charade,” asserting that “DRC has never been at war with any of the parties represented in the agreement.” He characterized the accord as nothing more than a commercial arrangement.

The Congolese government accuses Kabila of colluding with M23 rebels and Rwanda, a claim supported by multiple Western countries and the United Nations. These bodies allege that Rwanda has provided M23 with military support, including arms and training. Rwanda denies the allegations.

Recently, the DRC Senate lifted Kabila’s immunity, paving the way for potential prosecution. His return last month to M23-controlled territory has raised political tensions and strategic questions.

In an earlier interview with BBC, Professor Jason Stearns of Simon Fraser University emphasized that the future of peace in eastern Congo hinges on sustained dialogue between Rwanda and DRC. He noted that if the peace process collapses, Kabila’s presence in rebel-held areas could complicate an already fragile situation.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The peace deal comprises nine core pillars, including:

1. Respect for Sovereignty: Mutual commitment to non-aggression and territorial integrity.
2. Ceasefire and Disarmament: Immediate halt to military operations, withdrawal of armed groups, and structured disarmament.
3. Joint Security Mechanism: Establishment of a unified security monitoring system to dismantle rebel groups like FDLR and halt external support to them.
4. Return of Displaced Persons: Coordinated efforts to repatriate refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), under DRC government oversight.
5. Support for MONUSCO: Full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2773, including Rwanda’s withdrawal from DRC and M23’s retreat from captured territories.
6. Economic Transparency: Promotion of trade and transparent resource exploitation, especially in the mineral sector.
7. Monitoring Committee: Formation of a tripartite monitoring panel involving the AU, Qatar, and the U.S. to track compliance and resolve disputes.
8. Legal Provisions: The agreement is binding indefinitely, but either party may withdraw with six months’ notice.
9. Immediate Implementation: All terms of the agreement come into effect upon signing.

Both sides have also agreed to continue negotiations with the M23/AFC rebel movement under the mediation of Qatar, with the aim of demobilizing non-state armed groups and reintegrating them into society.

Secretary Rubio emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of war. “Peace is about life, about hope, and opportunity. It’s about children going to school, families reconnecting, and economies flourishing,” he said.

Minister Nduhungirehe acknowledged lingering skepticism, citing the region’s history of unfulfilled agreements. “The path ahead is not easy,” he noted. “But with consistent support from the United States and other partners, real change is possible. Rwanda is committed to working with DRC to fulfill our shared goals.”

Minister Kayikwamba described the moment as a “new chapter” that demands not just commitment, but courage. She emphasized that the victims of the conflict are watching closely and expect results, saying: “This peace must not be for the powerful. It must be real, inclusive, and transformative.”

In a final symbolic gesture, President Trump signed official invitations to Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of DRC for a Washington summit next month to conclude and celebrate this historic accord.