The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a historic peace agreement on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Washington, aimed at ending the violence in eastern DRC—a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives over several decades.
The agreement was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hailed it as "an important moment after 30 years of war,” while emphasizing that "much remains to be done.”
"We are grateful to both of you. I know how difficult this has been (…) This, in essence, is what the State Department is about: it’s truly the department of peace,” said Marco Rubio.
The ceremony, marked by a symbolic handshake between the two ministers, paves the way for an inter-state summit scheduled for the end of July at the White House, with the participation of Presidents Félix Tshisekedi (DRC) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda), at the invitation of President Donald Trump.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that the agreement is based on "a commitment made here to bring an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias.”
He acknowledged, however, that "the road ahead will not be easy,” but expressed hope that "a turning point has been reached,” thanks to the support of international partners.
FAAPA