Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a historic peace agreement on Wednesday, marking a key step toward lasting stability in the Great Lakes region, the African Union (AU) announced.
The signing took place in Washington, D.C., with African Union officials and international partners in attendance.
The AU Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the pact, describing it as a major milestone for peace, security, and regional cooperation.
He commended both leaders for demonstrating decisive leadership and called on all stakeholders to implement the agreement fully to ensure durable reconciliation.
The agreement follows years of intermittent tensions along the Rwanda-DRC border, fueled by cross-border militias and historical disputes dating back to the 1990s conflicts that affected the wider Great Lakes region.
Youssouf highlighted the role of international support in facilitating the negotiations.
He praised the United States, noting President Donald Trump’s personal engagement in creating conducive conditions for the talks, and acknowledged Qatar’s diplomatic backing.
Regional leaders such as H.E. Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and H.E. João Lourenço of Angola were also recognized for their mediation and facilitation contributions.
The AU emphasized its continued commitment to accompany both nations in implementing the agreement, supporting initiatives aimed at long-term stability.
The Chairperson urged that the accord be followed both “in letter and spirit” to foster collaboration between the DRC, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, including Kenya, which has historically engaged in regional security and refugee management efforts related to conflicts in eastern DRC.