The Democratic Republic of Congo has pledged full and unconditional implementation of the newly signed Rwanda–DRC Peace and Economic Cooperation Agreement, marking what leaders describe as a decisive step toward ending decades of insecurity in the Great Lakes Region. President Félix Tshisekedi made the commitment following the signing of the accord on December 4, 2025, in the United States, alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The agreement, commonly referred to as the Washington Peace and Economic Agreement, seeks to address the root causes of conflict between the two neighboring countries by combining security guarantees, economic cooperation, and mutual respect for sovereignty. At its core is a firm commitment by the DRC to dismantle all armed groups operating on its territory, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and affiliated militias.
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, President Tshisekedi emphasized that Congo is prepared to honor every obligation outlined in the accord without exception. He described the agreement as a binding national commitment made in the interest of peace, security, and unity for the Congolese people.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is committed to implementing, with total integrity, all the provisions required of us under this agreement,” Tshisekedi said. “We will continue doing so in the interest of peace, security, and national unity for our people.”
For years, the presence of armed groups in eastern Congo has fueled instability, strained relations with neighboring states, and triggered repeated humanitarian crises. The FDLR, in particular, has remained a central point of tension between Kinshasa and Kigali, with Rwanda accusing the group of posing a direct threat to its national security.
Under the new agreement, the Congolese government has accepted responsibility for dismantling these groups and preventing its territory from being used as a base for hostile activities against Rwanda. Tshisekedi framed this obligation not as a concession, but as a sovereign duty essential to restoring state authority and regional trust.
The Congolese president also expressed confidence that Rwanda will fulfill its own commitments under the deal, stressing that lasting peace depends on reciprocal action and mutual respect. He underlined that cooperation must be based on equality, non-interference, and a shared determination to end the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for decades.
“We are entering a new era of peaceful cooperation built on respect, non-interference, and a shared mission to eliminate armed groups,” Tshisekedi said. “Both countries must stop supporting any militias and instead launch genuine security collaboration.”
This statement directly addresses long-standing accusations exchanged by both sides regarding alleged support for armed factions. The agreement explicitly calls for an end to any form of direct or indirect backing of militias, a provision widely viewed as critical to restoring confidence between Kigali and Kinshasa.
President Tshisekedi described the signing of the agreement as a historic turning point in Rwanda–DRC relations, signaling a departure from years of hostility, mistrust, and diplomatic standoffs. He said the accord must serve the interests of ordinary citizens on both sides of the border, particularly those in conflict-affected areas who have borne the brunt of prolonged instability.
“This Washington Peace and Economic Agreement must be for our people,” he said. “It must symbolize our commitment to closing the chapter of conflict and opening a new era of cooperation and lasting stability.”
The deal outlines a comprehensive framework that extends beyond security to include economic development and environmental cooperation. One of the most significant components involves joint economic projects aimed at transforming the shared border regions into zones of growth rather than conflict.
Among the flagship initiatives is the construction of the Rusizi III hydroelectric power plant, a long-awaited project expected to boost electricity supply for Rwanda, the DRC, and Burundi. The agreement also provides for joint management of natural resources in Lake Kivu, collaboration in mining and mineral exploration, and the expansion of cross-border trade channels to stimulate local economies.
Environmental protection is another key pillar of the accord. Years of armed conflict have severely damaged national parks, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity in the region. Both governments have committed to working together to protect conservation areas and promote sustainable resource management, recognizing the link between environmental degradation and insecurity.
In exchange for the dismantling of armed groups, Rwanda has agreed to lift defensive security measures that were previously put in place in response to persistent threats emanating from Congolese territory. This reciprocal step is intended to reduce tensions along the border and signal a move away from militarized postures toward cooperation.
The United States, which facilitated the agreement, has welcomed the commitments made by both leaders. Washington described the deal as a roadmap for addressing the underlying drivers of conflict in the Great Lakes Region, including illegal armed groups, illicit exploitation of minerals, and weak border governance.
American officials have indicated that continued international support will depend on tangible progress in implementing the agreement. President Tshisekedi acknowledged the role of international partners and said the DRC will work closely with them to ensure the accord is fully enforced while remaining vigilant against attempts to undermine the peace process.
Analysts say successful implementation could significantly alter the security landscape of eastern Congo, where violence has displaced millions and hindered development for decades. By combining security reforms with economic cooperation, the agreement aims to create incentives for peace that go beyond military solutions.
For communities in eastern DRC and along the Rwanda border, the agreement raises cautious hope that a durable solution may finally be within reach. However, observers note that the coming months will be critical, as dismantling armed groups and restoring state authority will require sustained political will, coordination, and accountability.
As Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo publicly commit to a shared future, expectations are high that the Washington Agreement will move beyond diplomatic symbolism and deliver real change on the ground. If honored in full, the deal could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Great Lakes Region, defined not by conflict, but by cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity.
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