The Governments of the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Republic of Rwanda have jointly announced a breakthrough in peace negotiations, following a series of high-level talks held in Washington, D.C. this past week.
On June 18, 2025, technical delegations from the DRC and Rwanda initialed the text of a landmark Peace Agreement. The signing took place in the presence of U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and marked a major step toward formal reconciliation between the two nations. The full Ministerial signing of the agreement is scheduled for June 27, 2025, and will be witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Peace Agreement builds on the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, and was the result of three days of intensive and constructive dialogue. Negotiations centered around political, security, and economic interests, culminating in a comprehensive framework designed to address longstanding tensions and instability in the Great Lakes region.
The agreement outlines mutual respect for national sovereignty and a formal prohibition of hostilities. It includes measures for the disengagement and disarmament of non-state armed groups, with the possibility of conditional reintegration. It also establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism that incorporates the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) adopted on October 31, 2024. Additionally, the agreement provides for the facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), the guarantee of humanitarian access, and the creation of a roadmap for enhanced regional economic integration.
The State of Qatar participated as an observer in the talks, reflecting ongoing coordination between Qatari and U.S. peace facilitation efforts. Both Rwanda and the DRC acknowledged the important roles played by the United States and Qatar in helping to steer the peace process.
In a joint statement, the three governments expressed optimism about the path ahead and emphasized their commitment to continued diplomatic engagement. “We look forward to the subsequent Summit of the Heads of State in Washington, D.C. to further advance peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the Great Lakes region,” the statement concluded.
The upcoming ministerial signing and heads of state summit are seen as critical milestones in the effort to resolve decades-long conflict and forge a new era of cooperation and development in Central Africa.
