Congo and Rwanda sign peace agreement in Washington

28 June 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington on Friday to end the violence in eastern Congo. The deal, mediated by the United States and Qatar, was finalised at the US Department of State in the presence of Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe. "This is an important moment after 30 years of war," said US secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Backed by the Rwandan army, M23 rebels launched a renewed offensive earlier this year, seizing Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces. The fighting has claimed thousands of lives.

Key commitments in the agreement

The agreement includes commitments to respect territorial integrity, end hostilities and guarantee humanitarian access. According to Reuters, Rwandan troops are to withdraw from eastern Congo within 90 days.

Within the same period, both countries are expected to finalise a framework for economic integration. Bloomberg reports that a draft already includes provisions on sharing mineral revenues, transport infrastructure and plans for a joint hydroelectric power station. These economic measures depend on the peace deal’s implementation.

Eastern Congo, rich in minerals, has endured conflict for over three decades. Despite earlier ceasefires with M23, violence has repeatedly flared.

International reactions

Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot welcomed the deal, writing on X: "I congratulate both neighbouring countries on their courageous choice for peace." He added, "Effective implementation of the commitments made is crucial to finally achieve lasting peace in the Great Lakes region. Belgium will continue to work hard together with regional and international partners to achieve this goal."

US president Donald Trump hailed the accord as "a new chapter of hope". Standing alongside the foreign ministers at the White House, he said, "Today, violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace."

US president Donald Trump holds a letter addressed to Rwandan president Paul Kagame congratulating him on the peace agreement with Democratic Republic of the Congo during a meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner (R) and Rwandan foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe (2nd-L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2025. Also in the meeting, L-R, US vice president JD Vance and US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
© PHOTO ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres called the agreement "an important step towards de-escalation" and praised the US for its mediation. He urged all parties to fulfil their obligations.

^{(L-R) Rwandan foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Democratic Republic of the Congo foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner applaud after signing a peace agreement during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 27, 2025. ©PHOTO MANDEL NGAN / AFP}

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