posted 26th April 2025
Historic Agreement Signed Between DRC and Rwanda to Foster Peace and Economic Growth
Washington, D.C., 25 April 2025 – In a landmark step towards peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a Declaration of Principles, pledging to resolve longstanding disputes and promote economic integration in eastern DRC. The agreement, signed in Washington and witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines a comprehensive framework for diplomacy, security, and regional cooperation.
The Declaration, signed by DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, reaffirms both nations’ commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. The signing marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to stabilise a region long plagued by conflict, displacement, and economic challenges.
Key Commitments of the Declaration
The agreement establishes a roadmap for peace and prosperity, addressing critical issues such as security, economic development, and humanitarian concerns. Key points include:
Sovereignty and Diplomacy: Both nations pledge to respect each other’s borders and sovereignty, committing to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than force or hostile rhetoric. They also agree to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
Security Cooperation: Acknowledging shared security concerns along their border, the DRC and Rwanda will explore a joint security coordination mechanism to combat non-state armed groups and criminal organisations. Both countries commit to withholding state support from such groups and limiting their proliferation.
Economic Integration: The agreement outlines a phased regional economic framework, building on initiatives like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). This framework aims to boost trade, attract foreign investment, and ensure transparent management of natural resources. Both nations will collaborate on projects such as hydropower development, national park management, and mineral supply chains, with support from U.S. government and private sector partners.
Humanitarian Efforts: The DRC, with support from UN agencies, commits to facilitating the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes in eastern DRC, once peace is restored. This includes Congolese citizens currently residing in Rwanda or other countries.
Support for UN and Regional Forces: Both nations pledge to support the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and regional forces in fulfilling their mandates, including civilian protection and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2773.
The Declaration builds on existing peace processes, including the Nairobi and Luanda Processes, now unified under the East African Community-Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) framework and endorsed by the African Union. The DRC and Rwanda have committed to producing an initial draft of a formal Peace Agreement by 2 May 2025, with ongoing consultations involving the U.S. government. To address any disagreements, foreign ministers from both countries will meet in Washington, hosted by the U.S. Department of State.
A New Chapter for the Region
The signing of the Declaration has been hailed as a turning point for the Great Lakes region, with the potential to transform eastern DRC into a hub of economic growth and stability. The involvement of the U.S. government and private sector signals strong international support for the initiative, with significant investments expected to drive infrastructure and resource development.
“This agreement is a testament to the power of diplomacy and shared vision,” said a U.S. State Department spokesperson. “By working together, the DRC and Rwanda are laying the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future for their people.”
As the region looks ahead, the success of this agreement will depend on the continued commitment of both nations to implement its principles and the support of international partners in fostering lasting peace.
