Washington, D.C. — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, on the 5th of December, joined President Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço (Angola) at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., USA, to witness the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Washington Accords, signed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and President Felix Tshisekedi, end decades of conflict in the region by establishing a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of rebel groups, provisions for refugees to return home, and a new framework for economic prosperity, addressing one of the world’s deadliest conflicts, which has claimed more than 10 million lives.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Trump stated that the United States of America is committed to stopping decades of violence and bloodshed and to begin a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. “We have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the longest-running conflicts anywhere in the world.” He said.
Speaking at the historic ceremony, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo underscored the pivotal roles of the leaders and mediators who have guided the peace process over the years and acknowledged the role played by Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves in initiating the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks, which laid the groundwork for the breakthrough. “These two great Africans were there at the beginning; they started the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude to President Trump and the American people for championing the rapprochement.
President Tshisekedi emphasized that the agreements bring together a coherent architecture, a declaration of principles, a peace agreement, and an economic integration framework to finally overcome the cycle of violence, displacement, mistrust, and defiance. He acknowledged that the Washington Accords marked a new era of friendship and cooperation and shared described prosperity.
President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to securing and sustaining peace in the region. “It is now up to us in Africa, working with our partners to consolidate and expand this peace, Rwanda will not be found wanting.” He added that Rwanda’s only objective has always been to ensure that the country is safe and secure after having endured so much tragedy.
H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, welcomed the achievement, noting that the milestone was the result of persistent regional diplomacy. “Today’s achievement culminates a relentless regional effort. The coordinated Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington processes created the essential pathway that brings us to this pivotal moment,” he said. Ruto also noted that a peaceful eastern DRC can unlock one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta who has served as a regional peace facilitator, joined the leaders in acknowledging the Washington Accords as a breakthrough for East and Central Africa. His presence underscored Kenya’s continued commitment to peace, dialogue, and stability in the Great Lakes region and across the continent.
Also present at the ceremony were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senior Diplomats, and global peace partners who witnessed the signing.
The Washington peace deal now paves the way for renewed cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC, giving millions hope for lasting peace after decades of conflict.
