Rwanda, DRC Agree on Principles to Guide Economic Cooperation

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have taken a key step toward strengthening bilateral ties by establishing a framework of principles to guide future economic cooperation, the U.S. government has confirmed.

The agreement was reached on August 1, 2025, as part of the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed by both countries on June 27 with U.S. facilitation.

The newly adopted principles are expected to serve as the foundation for a formal economic cooperation agreement between Kigali and Kinshasa.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the principles will help both nations foster inclusive economic development and improve the welfare of citizens.

The cooperation will focus on strategic sectors including energy, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, tourism, and the joint management of national parks.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, told members of parliament on July 30 that both countries are working toward a dedicated economic partnership agreement.

“These will be targeted agreements that deepen collaboration between both sides—especially in areas like value addition in the mining sector. Discussions are ongoing, and we hope experts from both countries will soon finalize a draft for signing,” said Nduhungirehe.

The agreement on economic principles followed the first meeting of the bilateral Peace Agreement Monitoring Committee, held on July 31 in Washington, D.C.

That committee is expected to convene again on August 4 to bring together members of the joint security mechanism tasked with overseeing the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group and the removal of Rwanda’s defensive posture.

The U.S. described the recent meetings as a critical advancement in implementing the peace deal, stating that Rwanda and the DRC are moving in a positive direction toward both security and economic collaboration in the Great Lakes region.