WASHINGTON D.C., United States — Kenyan President William Ruto has lauded a landmark peace agreement signed in Washington between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, terming it a decisive turning point for a region that has long been synonymous with instability and humanitarian crisis.
The agreement, officially dubbed The Washington Accord, was signed by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace.
It aims to end decades of hostility in the mineral-rich Eastern DRC, a conflict that has frequently strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali.
Ending a “protracted conflict”
In a statement issued following the ceremony, President Ruto described the accord as a “credible and hopeful pathway” to peace. He offered a somber reflection on the devastation the war has caused to the local population.
“The protracted conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has endured far beyond what humanity can reasonably bear. For decades, it has claimed innumerable lives and driven countless families from the safety of their homes,” President Ruto said.
He highlighted the severe socio-economic toll the instability has taken on the region’s future generations and economy.
“A generation of children has been stripped of its innocence, deprived of education, and denied the simple promise of a stable childhood. Normal commercial activity and cross-border trade- lifelines of regional prosperity- have been gravely disrupted, stalling development and deepening hardship.”
Praise for Trump’s mediation
President Ruto attributed the success of the negotiations to the involvement of the US administration, specifically praising President Donald Trump for steering the talks to a conclusion.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for his steadfast commitment and decisive leadership in helping bring this historic agreement to fruition,” Ruto stated.
He also acknowledged the “invaluable contributions” of regional bodies, including the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in laying the groundwork for the deal.
The path forward
The Washington Accord is expected to establish immediate mechanisms for de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities, and renewed cooperation between the two neighboring nations. However, President Ruto warned that the signing is only the first step.
Also Read: US and Ukraine signal major breakthrough in peace plan after high-stakes Geneva talks
“This prolonged suffering is a profound injustice to the people of Eastern DRC, who deserve lasting stability and the chance to build a peaceful, dignified, and prosperous future,” he said.
He urged all parties to fully honor the terms of the agreement, noting that success will ultimately be measured by the ability of displaced families to return home and rebuild their lives.
The high-profile signing ceremony was witnessed by several other global and regional leaders, including Angolan President João Lourenço, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and representatives from Uganda, Qatar, and the UAE.
