Rwanda and DRC Set to Sign Landmark Peace Deal at White House in June, Hosted by President Trump

By The Inspirer.

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to sign a historic peace agreement in June at the White House, in a ceremony hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The accord, expected to be signed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, aims to end years of conflict and instability in the Great Lakes region.

The agreement, finalized in principle on Friday, May 2, also paves the way for broader economic cooperation between the United States and the two African nations. U.S. officials have signaled that significant American investment will follow the peace accord, positioning the deal as a turning point for regional security and development.

“This is a win-win for all parties involved,” a U.S. State Department official said. “It presents a long-awaited opportunity to address longstanding security challenges and unlock economic potential across Central Africa.”

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the development in an interview with *IGIHE*, stating: “Yes, we have agreed on the framework. The draft agreements were concluded on Friday, and the signing is scheduled for June at the White House.”

The announcement followed high-level negotiations in Doha, Qatar, involving delegations from the U.S., Rwanda, DRC, and Qatar. Rwanda was represented by Brigadier General Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa.

U.S. Presidential Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, praised the progress made, revealing that the draft documents were prepared ahead of schedule and confirmed for submission on May 2.

Further diplomatic coordination is ongoing, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to meet again with DRC’s foreign ministry to finalize the joint draft. Once finalized, preparations for the June signing will move forward.

The White House ceremony is expected to attract the attention of the international community, with invitations anticipated for other African heads of state who have contributed to peace efforts in eastern Congo.

However, before the agreement is formally signed, both Rwanda and the DRC must fulfill certain preconditions laid out by the United States. These include a commitment by the DRC to resolve internal security issues, particularly those involving the FDLR rebel group, as well as governance reforms and equitable distribution of national resources.

In addition, both countries must agree to separate bilateral economic accords with the U.S. that will outline future trade and investment frameworks.

A joint oversight committee—comprising representatives from the U.S., Qatar, France, and Togo (representing the African Union)—has been established to monitor the implementation of these conditions.

In a related move, peace negotiations previously conducted under the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) frameworks have now been consolidated under the African Union, with Togo taking the lead in facilitating the process.

If successful, the agreement would mark a rare moment of unity and cooperation in a region long plagued by armed conflict, displacement, and strained cross-border relations. The White House ceremony could symbolize not only a cessation of hostilities, but also a new chapter of regional integration and U.S.-Africa partnership.