Washington, D.C.: The political landscape of the Great Lakes region reached a historic turning point on Wednesday as both Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo arrived in the United States ahead of the highly anticipated signing of the Washington Accord, a peace framework intended to end decades of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to an official communication from Urugwiro Village, President Kagame landed in Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump and participate in Thursday’s accord-signing ceremony. Images shared by the Rwandan Presidency show Kagame stepping off the plane to a formal military reception, symbolizing the weight of the diplomatic milestone ahead.
Simultaneously, the Presidency of the DRC confirmed the arrival of President Tshisekedi, emphasizing that the Washington Accord aims to “put an end to the war in the East,” and respond to the long-standing grievances of populations in Goma, Bukavu, Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and other conflict-stricken areas. Tshisekedi was welcomed by U.S. officials before proceeding to Washington engagements with his delegation.
The DRC presidency also confirmed that a tripartite meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, at the White House between Presidents Donald Trump, Félix Tshisekedi, and Paul Kagame, marking one of the most significant U.S.-brokered diplomatic efforts in the region in recent years.
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While details of the Washington Accord remain closely guarded ahead of the official signing, diplomatic sources say the agreement focuses on ceasefire mechanisms, cross-border security cooperation, rebel disarmament pathways, and humanitarian access for civilians trapped in long-running cycles of violence.
The joint presence of Kagame and Tshisekedi in Washington signals renewed willingness after years of accusations, mistrust, and proxy warfare to attempt a negotiated settlement under the auspices of the United States.
The images shared on both presidential accounts depict solemn yet hopeful arrivals of the two leaders each accompanied by senior officials highlighting the international significance of the moment and the mounting expectation among millions affected by the conflict.
As the world watches, Washington could become the stage where one of Africa’s most persistent conflicts begins its journey toward resolution.
