Peace Deal Signed: Rwanda and DR Congo End Decades of Conflict

On June 27, 2025, a groundbreaking peace agreement was signed between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Washington D.C., marking a new era of cooperation after years of armed conflict. The agreement was hailed globally as a milestone for stability in the Great Lakes region.

The accord was signed by DR Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presiding over the event.

Key Terms of the Agreement

🕊️ Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC territory within 90 days.
🛡️ Establishment of a joint security mechanism within 30 days.
🌍 Launch of a regional economic integration framework within 90 days.

This structured approach aims to address the root causes of instability and create long-term opportunities for both nations.

Global Reactions to the Peace Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the deal as a “glorious triumph,” noting that it would also provide the U.S. access to DR Congo’s rich mineral deposits, including cobalt and lithium.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the agreement “a significant step toward de-escalation, peace, and stability” in both DR Congo and the broader region. He emphasized the importance of honoring all commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025).

Other dignitaries present at the event included AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi.

Regional and Historical Context

The eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have long been plagued by chronic instability, violence, and underdevelopment. The area is rich in natural resources — including gold, diamonds, cobalt, and coltan — which has unfortunately made it a magnet for armed groups, warlords, and foreign interests seeking to exploit these valuable minerals. The lack of a strong central government presence, combined with porous borders, has made the region vulnerable to recurring cycles of violence for decades.

One of the most complex factors contributing to the unrest is the historical tension between the DRC and its neighbor, Rwanda. Following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, hundreds of thousands of refugees — including members of the Hutu militias — fled into eastern Congo, destabilizing the region and triggering a chain of armed conflicts that came to be known as the First and Second Congo Wars. These wars, which drew in multiple African nations, were among the deadliest since World War II, resulting in millions of deaths, mostly from disease and starvation.

Despite numerous peace accords, ceasefires, and international mediation efforts, the region has remained volatile. Armed militias such as the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), M23, and various Mai-Mai groups have continued to operate in the region, often with alleged support or tacit approval from external actors. These groups have been responsible for horrific human rights abuses, including massacres, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe acknowledged the failures of past efforts during the peace agreement’s signing, stating, “There is a great deal of uncertainty because many previous agreements have not been implemented. But this agreement is grounded in irreversible and verifiable commitments.” His words reflect the cautious optimism shared by many stakeholders who recognize that while the challenges are immense, the structure and enforcement mechanisms of this new agreement may offer a genuine path forward.

Additionally, international observers believe that the agreement’s success may depend on sustained pressure and oversight by regional bodies like the African Union and the UN, along with ongoing diplomatic engagement from global powers such as the United States, which hosted the signing. Unlike previous accords, this peace deal incorporates concrete timelines, economic incentives, and a clear framework for military disengagement and regional cooperation.

If implemented successfully, the agreement could mark a turning point not only for Rwanda and the DRC but for the entire Great Lakes region — a zone long overshadowed by war, displacement, and unrealized potential.

Hope and Caution from Leaders

“It offers a rare chance to turn the page,” said Wagner. “Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear.”

French President Emmanuel Macron described the deal as a “historic step forward after decades of suffering,” calling on both nations to ensure that “peace must hold.”

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement calling for “full implementation” of the agreement and continuous follow-up to secure its outcomes.

Challenges Ahead

While the deal has been widely praised, implementation remains critical. Analysts warn that without strong monitoring mechanisms, the peace process may falter.

Regional observers urge the AU and international partners to provide logistical, diplomatic, and financial support to sustain the initiative.

Internal Link: For more on peacebuilding in Africa, visit our Peace & Security section.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

This peace accord is a moment of hope for millions affected by years of violence in Central Africa. While challenges lie ahead, the international community has an opportunity to support a long-term path to peace, economic growth, and regional integration.

External Link: Read the official CGTN Africa report for full details.

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