Washington, D.C. – United States President Donald J. Trump on Thursday presided over the signing of “The Washington Accord,” a comprehensive peace agreement between Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame aimed at ending three decades of conflict in eastern DRC.
Speaking at the start of the event, President Trump called it “a great day for Africa and frankly for the world,” adding, “I have a lot of confidence in both leaders. We’ll keep these commitments. I know they’re going to keep them and follow through.”
The accord comes after months of intense shuttle diplomacy led by the United States, building on a preliminary agreement signed by the two countries’ foreign ministers in June that Trump had already described as a “glorious triumph.”
Despite a recent escalation in fighting — with DRC forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group accusing each other of breaching ceasefires and attempting to sabotage the process — both presidents appeared committed in Washington. The M23’s 2025 offensive had displaced hundreds of thousands and killed thousands more in the mineral-rich east.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who attended as a regional mediator, hailed the agreement as “the most credible and hopeful pathway” to peace in thirty years. In a statement, Ruto said the conflict had “claimed innumerable lives,” robbed a generation of children of education and stability, and crippled regional trade. “This prolonged suffering is a profound injustice,” he declared, thanking Trump for his “decisive leadership.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised Trump’s “even-handed” and “pragmatic” approach, saying it delivered “the clearest and most viable path forward that we have ever had.” President Tshisekedi expressed “deep gratitude and clear hope,” while cautiously urging Rwanda to “respect the letter and spirit of the deal.”
The Washington Accord commits both nations to the immediate cantonment and disarmament of armed groups, the withdrawal of any foreign forces, and the resumption of diplomatic and economic relations. Regional bodies including the East African Community and Southern African Development Community are tasked with monitoring implementation.
As the leaders left the podium, Trump predicted “a much brighter future” for both countries and the region.
