Rwanda and DRC sign agreement to build lasting peace

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement establishing “fundamental principles on governance, security, and economic cooperation,” aimed at helping the region harness its existing opportunities.

The agreement was signed in Washington on April 25, 2025, by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. The signing was facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

Rubio noted that Eastern Congo has experienced insecurity for over 30 years, preventing the attainment of peace and sustainable development.

“It is significant to stand alongside my fellow Foreign Ministers to mark the beginning of a willingness to engage in dialogue and seek solutions,” Rubio said.

He expressed pride in working with President Trump, who he said is committed to promoting global peace and making it a central priority.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, thanked President Trump, on behalf of President Kagame, for playing a role in facilitating constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the insecurity in Eastern Congo — the very discussions that led to the signing of this agreement.

“Today, we are addressing real issues, the root causes that must be solved if we are to achieve lasting peace,” he said.

He emphasized that these issues include security concerns and the repatriation of refugees.

“It is essential that we discuss building a regional economy that connects our countries and welcomes American investors. Our goal is to have a peaceful region, free of ethnic extremism, and governed effectively,” Nduhungirehe added.

He said that strong cooperation could lead to development for citizens and prosperity for the African continent at large.

Nduhungirehe described the agreement as a step toward a comprehensive peace treaty and voiced his support for dialogue efforts led by the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Qatar.

“Our objective is to reach a peace agreement soon. There’s no shortcut — we must work seriously and solve this issue once and for all,” he said.

He also affirmed Rwanda’s readiness to continue collaborating with all partners to ensure that this peace process yields tangible results.

DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, said the agreement is not just symbolic but reflects political will and reinforces the idea that peace must come before everything else.

She stressed the need to build trust between the two sides, which would pave the way for meaningful cooperation.

Kayikwamba said the agreement gives hope not only to the two nations but also to citizens who have long awaited peace.

“The good news is that there is hope for peace. The real news is that peace must be achieved,” she declared.