African leaders and international partners have welcomed a new peace agreement signed today between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling it a crucial step toward ending years of tension in the Great Lakes region.
The deal, finalized in Washington DC, was signed by President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi, with representatives from Africa and abroad witnessing the historic moment.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the accord as a major milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and cooperation in the region.
“This agreement reflects the determination of both nations to resolve disputes peacefully and to build a foundation for stability,” he said.
Youssouf acknowledged the supportive role of the United States, highlighting the personal involvement of President Donald Trump in creating conditions that made the negotiations possible. He also commended Qatar for its diplomatic support and readiness to assist Africa-led peace initiatives.
Joining other African leaders at the signing, Youssouf praised the steady guidance that brought the parties together.
He paid particular tribute to President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo for facilitating ongoing discussions, President João Lourenço of Angola for early mediation efforts, and the combined contributions of leaders from the East African Community and Southern African Development Community.
The AU Chairperson called on all parties to implement the agreement sincerely, both in spirit and in action, stressing that the accord should serve as a foundation for reconciliation, stronger regional cooperation, and long-term peace.
He reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to supporting both countries and regional mechanisms as they work to bring the agreement to full effect for the benefit of the people of Rwanda, the DRC, and the wider region.
DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame have frequently exchanged insults in recent years, each accusing the other of starting the conflict.
Trump got the two countries' foreign ministers to sign a peace accord in June, hailing it as a "glorious triumph".
Tshisekedi and Kagame have now endorsed it, as have a number of other African leaders who attended the signing ceremony, including those from Kenya, Angola, Burundi and Togo, as well as the vice-president of Uganda.
At the event, Kagame praised Trump as an "even-handed" leader who is "never taking sides". Kagame described Trump's approach as pragmatic and said that "as a result, we have the clearest and most viable path forward that we have ever had."
Tshisekedi expressed "deep gratitude and clear hope", while at the same time saying he hoped Rwanda will "respect the letter and spirit of the deal".
The foreign ministers of Qatar and the UAE also were in attendance, as was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenya's President William Ruto who hailed the peace deal as historic.
"Today's signing of the peace accord for the eastern DRC is not merely a monumental diplomatic milestone; it is a decisive act to end a devastating conflict that has scarred the region for decades," Ruto said.
