Washington D.C. – In a significant step towards lasting peace, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a historic peace agreement on Thursday in Washington D.C. The signing ceremony, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to finally put an end to decades of conflict between the two nations.
The event took place at the United States Institute of Peace and was attended by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and representatives from regional powers including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Senegal.
President Trump, in his address, thanked both Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame for their commitment to peace, expressing his satisfaction at the resolution of the long-standing conflict. “Today is a wonderful day, a great day for Africa and important for the world and for both nations. There is much to be proud of. I thank the leaders of both countries for their courage,” he stated.
Trump highlighted the devastating impact of the DRC-Rwanda conflict, noting that it is among the world’s longest-running wars, claiming over 10 million lives. He emphasized that the agreement marks a turning point, ending decades of violence and ushering in a new era of harmony and cooperation.
President Tshisekedi expressed his gratitude to the United States and Qatar for their mediation efforts. He affirmed the DRC’s readiness to fully implement its commitments under the agreement and expressed confidence that Rwanda would uphold its end of the bargain. “The Washington agreement is not just an ordinary document; it represents a turning point and the beginning of a new path,” he declared.
President Kagame echoed Tshisekedi’s sentiments, thanking Qatar and the United States for their pivotal roles in facilitating the peace process. He specifically acknowledged President Trump’s proactive involvement, noting that the United States approached the negotiations with impartiality. Kagame expressed optimism that the agreement paves the way for a brighter future for both nations.
Following the speeches, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi, along with President Trump, formally signed the agreement, solidifying their commitment to a peaceful and cooperative future.
