April 25, 2025 | Washington, D.C. — In a landmark declaration signed in Washington today, the governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the United States as a key witness, pledged to forge a new chapter of peace, reconciliation, and regional cooperation. The agreement, which includes commitments to the voluntary return of displaced persons, support for peacekeeping operations, and the drafting of a comprehensive peace agreement, reflects a significant diplomatic milestone in the troubled history between the two neighbors.

Return of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

At the heart of the declaration lies a shared humanitarian responsibility: the return of IDPs and refugees. Both governments, in collaboration with UN agencies and humanitarian partners, have agreed to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons to eastern DRC. This includes Congolese nationals currently residing in Rwanda or other nations due to conflict. The initiative is rooted in respect for international legal obligations and signals a renewed focus on healing communities ravaged by years of instability.

Backing MONUSCO and Regional Peace Forces

Another cornerstone of the agreement is the unwavering support for MONUSCO (the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC). The parties commit to enabling the mission’s ability to protect civilians and fulfill its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 2773. Notably, the declaration emphasizes regional cooperation, including the need for a verification mechanism and inter-positional forces to monitor the implementation of peace principles — a critical step to fostering trust and accountability among all actors, including non-state armed groups.

Path Toward a Lasting Peace Agreement

In perhaps the most ambitious commitment, the participants have set a clear timeline: by May 2, an initial draft of a comprehensive Peace Agreement is expected. This will be coordinated under the unified East African Community–Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) framework, incorporating elements of the Nairobi and Luanda Processes. President Gnassingbé of Togo is playing a facilitating role, and the current Doha talks involving DRC, Rwanda, and M23/AFC are also feeding into this multilateral process.

If disagreements arise over the peace text, the parties have agreed to reconvene in Washington, D.C., at the Foreign Minister level — a signal of their willingness to engage in continuous dialogue under international observation.

The signature of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a witness underscores America’s deep involvement in the region’s stabilization. The U.S. is not only facilitating dialogue but also encouraging economic and infrastructure partnerships, including shared ventures in vital sectors like mining and transport.

Conclusion: A Delicate but Defining Moment

This declaration offers hope — but it is hope tempered by the gravity of past failures and the fragility of current peace efforts. Success will depend on transparent implementation, sustained dialogue, and the genuine inclusion of affected populations. For the people of eastern Congo, for refugees in Rwanda, and for regional peace advocates, today’s agreement is more than a signature — it is a promise worth watching.

April 25, 2025 | Washington, D.C. — In a landmark declaration signed in Washington today, the governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the United States as a key witness, pledged to forge a new chapter of peace, reconciliation, and regional cooperation. The agreement, which includes commitments to the voluntary return of displaced persons, support for peacekeeping operations, and the drafting of a comprehensive peace agreement, reflects a significant diplomatic milestone in the troubled history between the two neighbors.

Return of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

At the heart of the declaration lies a shared humanitarian responsibility: the return of IDPs and refugees. Both governments, in collaboration with UN agencies and humanitarian partners, have agreed to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons to eastern DRC. This includes Congolese nationals currently residing in Rwanda or other nations due to conflict. The initiative is rooted in respect for international legal obligations and signals a renewed focus on healing communities ravaged by years of instability.

Backing MONUSCO and Regional Peace Forces

Another cornerstone of the agreement is the unwavering support for MONUSCO (the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC). The parties commit to enabling the mission’s ability to protect civilians and fulfill its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 2773. Notably, the declaration emphasizes regional cooperation, including the need for a verification mechanism and inter-positional forces to monitor the implementation of peace principles — a critical step to fostering trust and accountability among all actors, including non-state armed groups.

Path Toward a Lasting Peace Agreement

In perhaps the most ambitious commitment, the participants have set a clear timeline: by May 2, an initial draft of a comprehensive Peace Agreement is expected. This will be coordinated under the unified East African Community–Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) framework, incorporating elements of the Nairobi and Luanda Processes. President Gnassingbé of Togo is playing a facilitating role, and the current Doha talks involving DRC, Rwanda, and M23/AFC are also feeding into this multilateral process.

If disagreements arise over the peace text, the parties have agreed to reconvene in Washington, D.C., at the Foreign Minister level — a signal of their willingness to engage in continuous dialogue under international observation.

The signature of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a witness underscores America’s deep involvement in the region’s stabilization. The U.S. is not only facilitating dialogue but also encouraging economic and infrastructure partnerships, including shared ventures in vital sectors like mining and transport.

Conclusion: A Delicate but Defining Moment

This declaration offers hope — but it is hope tempered by the gravity of past failures and the fragility of current peace efforts. Success will depend on transparent implementation, sustained dialogue, and the genuine inclusion of affected populations. For the people of eastern Congo, for refugees in Rwanda, and for regional peace advocates, today’s agreement is more than a signature — it is a promise worth watching.