Under the decisive leadership of the United States, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took a major step toward peace on Friday in Washington by committing to draft a reconciliation agreement by May 2.
The Trump Administration achieved a significant breakthrough by bringing both Rwanda and the DRC to the negotiating table. More importantly, a peace process has already been launched and is expected to soon reach its conclusion. Facilitated by the direct intervention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this initiative stands as proof, according to the U.S. Department of State, of Washington’s commitment to promoting stability and cooperation in Central Africa.
In a solemn declaration signed alongside the foreign ministers of both countries, Marco Rubio praised "the political courage and forward-looking vision" of the Congolese and Rwandan leaders. He stated: "The United States stands with all nations that choose the path of dialogue and mutual respect to resolve their differences."
Specifically, both parties agreed to fully recognize each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged to resolve their disputes exclusively through peaceful means, rejecting any recourse to force or hostile rhetoric. Rubio emphasized this point, declaring: "Lasting peace rests on the unwavering commitment to respect national sovereignty and to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation."
Although the statement did not explicitly mention the M23 movement, it reflects a mutual acknowledgment of each side's security concerns, with a clear commitment to refrain from providing state support to non-state armed groups. On this point, Marco Rubio reiterated: "We cannot build a solid peace if we allow impunity and proxy violence to flourish. Support to armed groups must cease."
Buoyed by this strong diplomatic support, the DRC expressed its desire to deepen its ties with the United States, notably through a bilateral agreement to facilitate access to strategic minerals — a key driver for regional development.
Through this active mediation, the United States reaffirms its pivotal role in promoting a reconciliation dynamic in Africa, underscoring its steadfast commitment to the principles of national sovereignty, constructive diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
