Rwanda has expressed strong confidence and cautious optimism ahead of the highly anticipated Washington peace agreement expected to be signed this Thursday evening between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has described the accord as one of the most significant opportunities in recent years to restore lasting peace, not only between the two neighboring countries but across the wider Great Lakes region.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NEWSMAX, Makolo said Rwanda is approaching the agreement with hope balanced by realism, fully aware of the deep-rooted security challenges that have fueled instability in Eastern DRC for decades. She emphasized that Kigali remains firmly committed to regional peace efforts and views the Washington process as a meaningful step toward resolving long-standing tensions.
According to Makolo, the agreement represents a moment of renewed possibility after years of fragile ceasefires and repeated cycles of violence. She noted that Rwanda welcomes the initiative with confidence while remaining mindful of the structural issues that previously undermined similar efforts.
“This is extremely important,” Makolo said. “This is one of the best opportunities yet for peace and development for both countries and for our region.”
For Rwanda, the upcoming agreement carries particular significance because it directly addresses security concerns that have long affected its national stability. Armed groups operating in Eastern DRC, some with historical links to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, have been a persistent source of insecurity along Rwanda’s western border. Kigali has consistently argued that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without confronting this reality.
Makolo praised the role played by the United States, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump, in shaping a framework that acknowledges and prioritizes these security challenges. She explained that Washington has demonstrated a clear understanding of the root causes of the conflict and has focused on the need to neutralize armed groups that continue to destabilize the region.
According to Makolo, this focus distinguishes the Washington agreement from previous initiatives that failed to deliver lasting results. By placing security at the center of the process, the United States has helped create conditions for a more credible and enforceable peace framework.
She added that Washington’s involvement has also reinforced accountability, ensuring that commitments are not merely symbolic but backed by clear expectations and international oversight. This, she said, increases the likelihood that the agreement will translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
Beyond security considerations, the Washington peace agreement is expected to open the door to significant economic opportunities for both Rwanda and the DRC. Makolo noted that peace and economic development are closely linked, and that stability would allow the two countries to shift focus from conflict management to growth and cooperation.
The agreement is anticipated to create space for joint economic ventures, cross-border trade, and increased collaboration with American and international investors. Sectors such as infrastructure development, energy, natural resource management, and logistics are expected to benefit from improved relations and a more predictable security environment.
For Rwanda and the DRC, the prospect of economic integration offers a chance to transform historical rivalry into mutual advantage. Enhanced cooperation could help reduce competition over resources, promote transparency, and create employment opportunities for communities affected by years of instability.
Makolo stressed that economic progress would not only benefit governments but also improve the lives of ordinary citizens living in border regions who have borne the brunt of conflict. In her view, peace must ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s safety, livelihoods, and long-term prospects.
The upcoming signing follows an earlier version of the Washington Agreement that was signed on June 27, 2025, by the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC at the White House. That initial accord laid the groundwork for cooperation in security and economic development, raising hopes for a new chapter in bilateral relations.
However, optimism faded when fighting resumed in Eastern DRC shortly after the agreement, with both sides accusing each other of failing to uphold their commitments. The renewed violence exposed weaknesses in implementation rather than fundamental flaws in the agreement itself.
In response, a Joint Oversight Committee was established to monitor compliance and guide implementation. Despite this mechanism, progress remained slow, and by September 2025, officials acknowledged that more decisive action was needed to prevent further deterioration.
The agreement expected to be signed this week is therefore being described as the final and binding version of the Washington peace framework. Unlike the earlier accord, it will be signed by the Heads of State President Paul Kagame, President Félix Tshisekedi, and President Donald Trump a move intended to elevate political commitment and remove ambiguities that hindered previous efforts.
Rwandan officials believe that endorsement at the highest level sends a powerful signal of seriousness and accountability. It also places greater responsibility on all parties to ensure that agreed measures are implemented fully and without delay.
In the days leading up to the signing ceremony, President Kagame has held a series of high-level meetings in Washington, underscoring Rwanda’s diplomatic engagement around the agreement. On Wednesday evening, he hosted a dinner meeting with several influential U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Mike Rounds, Representative Brian Mast, Representative Ronny Jackson, Senator Kevin Cramer, Senator Pete Ricketts, and Representative Trent Kelly.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening Rwanda–U.S. cooperation, particularly in areas linked to regional peace, security coordination, and economic development. Participants emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to ensure that peace efforts are backed by long-term support.
President Kagame also held a separate meeting with Senator Lindsey Graham, where they explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in environmental protection, security partnerships, and broader economic initiatives. These discussions highlighted Rwanda’s strategic relationship with the United States and its role as a key partner in regional stability efforts.
As leaders prepare to gather for the signing of the Washington agreement, expectations remain high across the region. Many observers see the accord as a potential turning point capable of ending years of recurring instability and mistrust between Rwanda and the DRC.
While challenges remain, Rwandan officials believe the combination of strong political will, international backing, and a clear focus on security and development provides a stronger foundation than previous attempts. For Rwanda, the agreement represents both a test and an opportunity to finally move beyond cycles of conflict toward a future defined by cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity.
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