This week’s formal endorsement of a peace agreement and regional economic integration framework between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda was welcomed by the United Nations (UN) mission in the troubled central African country.
The agreement and framework were, as per a MONUSCO statement, facilitated by the United Stated (US) with the confirmation signing done in Washington, DC (District of Columbia) on 4 December.
According to a US statement, the “historic” agreement reinforces commitments to end decades of conflict, foster economic cooperation, and build a foundation for lasting peace. The Washington Accords reaffirm the parties’ commitment to implement the Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, agreed to in Washington on 27 June 2025, and achieve the vision of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) to create a plan for peace, security, and economic growth.
President Felix Tshisekedi signed on behalf of the Government of the DRC, and President Paul Kagame signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda. The signing ceremony was attended by Togolese President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé, Angolan President João Lourenço, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Kenyan President William Ruto, African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, Qatari Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Al Khulaifi and Emirati Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.
In addition to the Washington Accords, a Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed Between the United States and the DRC concerning an expanded security partnership.
MONUSCO said it salutes Tshisekedi and Kagame for the political resolve displayed in promoting peace and regional co-operation.
“MONUSCO considers that the agreements reached open a renewed window of opportunity to restore confidence between the two countries, to lay more solid foundations for durable peace in eastern DRC, to alleviate humanitarian suffering and help unlock the economic potential of the wider Great Lakes region.”
“These agreements, together with the framework agreement signed between DRC and the AFC/M23 (Alliance Fleuve Congo)/(Mouvement du 23 Mars) on 15 November 2025 and Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), offer an opportunity to move from confrontation to political solutions. Their implementation, in good faith and with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and of all States in the region, will be essential to achieving lasting peace,” said Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of MONUSCO, Bruno Lemarquis.
“As the DRC and Rwanda move forward with the implementation of the peace agreement and related arrangements, MONUSCO underscores that these efforts must promote stability while ensuring the protection of civilians and respect for human rights. Continuous dialogue, confidence building measures and inclusive approaches at both national and local levels will be critical to build trust, reduce tensions and consolidate peace for the benefit of all communities affected by the conflict.
“In line with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), MONUSCO will continue to support peace efforts, within its mandate and capacities, including in areas such as protection of civilians, support to ceasefire related arrangements emerging from the Doha process, disarmament and demobilisation of armed groups and stabilisation of conflict affected areas.”
Meanwhile, clashes in the eastern DRC continue between government forces and rebels believed to be backed by Rwanda. Both sides blame the other for the renewed fighting.
