On Friday, April 25, the African countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a “Declaration of Principles” in the Treaty Room of the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., committing to draft a peace agreement to end decades-long conflicts between the two nations.
The ceremony, where the agreement was signed after ceasefire commitments, was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Under Rubio’s witness, Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the “Declaration of Principles”. The declaration states their commitment to draft a preliminary peace agreement by May 2.
Rubio emphasized that the declaration on Friday outlined fundamental consensus between the two countries on “regional governance, security, economic frameworks, and ending the war.”
The U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. The group has controlled much of eastern Congo, forcing over a million people to flee their homes. This region boasts rich mineral resources, including lucrative gold, tantalum, tungsten, and tin mining areas.
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 organization.
The U.S. State Department stated that both Congo and Rwanda commit to “mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity”, agreeing to address security issues, promote regional economic integration, assist displaced persons in returning home, and support the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo.
Foreign Minister Kayikwamba of Congo stated, “The good news is that peace is still possible. The more precise message is that peace must be pursued, requiring seriousness, transparency, and sincerity.”
Rwandan Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe expressed that the declaration “opens the door to a final peace agreement”, closely tied to the U.S. support for peace talks overseen by African regional bodies and the government of Qatar.
Secretary of State Rubio added that the peace between the two countries “will open doors for broader U.S. and Western investments, bringing economic opportunities and prosperity.”
U.S. President Trump, who was en route to Rome, shared this significant development on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, “Big news from Africa, and I am also involved in efforts to stop violence and conflicts in Africa.”
“I don’t know why so many events fall on me and my government, but these events do happen, and we have done unprecedented work to address them or restore them to peace. Thank you for your attention!!!” the President added.
Earlier this year, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi sought military support from the U.S. in exchange for access to the country’s mineral resources, including some of the world’s richest copper mines and key battery mineral cobalt. Talks between the two countries are still ongoing.