DRC, Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Deal to End 30-Year Conflict
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a landmark peace agreement in Washington, D.C., to end over three decades of violent conflict in eastern DRC.
The U.S.-brokered deal was signed on Friday by DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessing the signing. The agreement marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to restore peace and stability to the Great Lakes region of Africa.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the ministers to the White House for the historic signing. “Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope,” Trump said.
Rubio hailed the agreement as a testament to Trump’s commitment to peace. “President Donald Trump is a president of peace. He prioritizes it above all else,” Rubio stated, adding that the deal took effect immediately upon signing.
The agreement, built upon the Declaration of Principles signed by both nations on April 25, 2025, was the product of months of negotiations led by U.S. Adviser Massad Boulos, in close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo.
Speaking at the ceremony, DRC’s Wagner reflected on the pain of decades of conflict, calling the scars “permanent reminders” of the country’s suffering. She emphasized the importance of turning the agreement into action, including justice for victims, the return of displaced people, and political will to ensure lasting peace.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe said the agreement centered on establishing a joint security coordination mechanism and neutralizing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a militia linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
“This is grounded in our commitment to a verifiable and irreversible end to state support for the FDLR and affiliated militias,” he said.
He also highlighted plans to begin the return of refugees from both countries, with support from the UNHCR.
The signing ceremony was attended by African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, who all participated as observers.
With the agreement now in effect, the United States has pledged to continue supporting its implementation and will soon host a Summit of Heads of State at the White House to further strengthen peace and economic cooperation in the region.
