The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the peace agreement signed by President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He describes this development as a significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The Chairperson acknowledged and appreciated the constructive support provided by the United States, including the personal engagement of President Donald Trump, whose commitment helped create conditions conducive to this outcome.
He also commended the State of Qatar for its diplomatic backing and support, and its readiness to support African-led peace initiatives.
The Chairperson, who joined other African Heads of State in witnessing this historic signing in Washington, DC, USA, commends the decisive and sustained leadership that made this agreement possible.
President Museveni was supposed to be one of the leaders at the signing. He was, however, represented by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo.
Kenya’s former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, and President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola also witnessed the signing at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., USA.
He pays special tribute to H.E. President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo for his ongoing facilitation, H.E. President João Lourenço of Angola for his earlier mediation efforts, and the complementary roles played by leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) throughout the process.
Youssouf called on all parties to faithfully implement the agreement in both letter and spirit, ensuring that this moment becomes a foundation for reconciliation, regional cooperation, and sustainable peace.
He said the African Union Commission stands ready to accompany the parties and regional mechanisms in advancing this vital process for the benefit of the peoples of the DRC, Rwanda, and the wider region.
The Washington Accords for Peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ended decades of conflict in the region by establishing a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of rebel groups, provisions for refugees to return home, and a new framework for economic prosperity.
They address one of the world’s deadliest conflicts, which has claimed more than 10 million lives. Speaking during the ceremony, President Trump stated that the United States of America is committed to stopping decades of violence and bloodshed and to begin a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
“We have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the longest-running conflicts anywhere in the world,” he said.
Speaking at the historic ceremony, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo underscored the pivotal roles of the leaders and mediators who have guided the peace process over the years and acknowledged the role played by Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves in initiating the Nairobi and Luanda peace tracks, which laid the groundwork for the breakthrough.
“These two great Africans were there at the beginning; they started the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude to President Trump and the American people for championing the rapprochement.
President Tshisekedi emphasized that the agreements bring together a coherent architecture, a declaration of principles, a peace agreement, and an economic integration framework to finally overcome the cycle of violence, displacement, mistrust, and defiance.
He acknowledged that the Washington Accords marked a new era of friendship and cooperation, and shared prosperity.
President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to securing and sustaining peace in the region. “It is now up to us in Africa, working with our partners to consolidate and expand this peace; Rwanda will not be found wanting.”
He added that Rwanda’s only objective has always been to ensure that the country is safe and secure after having endured so much tragedy.
William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, welcomed the achievement, noting that the milestone was the result of persistent regional diplomacy.
“Today’s achievement culminates a relentless regional effort. The coordinated Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington processes created the essential pathway that brings us to this pivotal moment,” he said.
Ruto also noted that a peaceful eastern DRC can unlock one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has served as a regional peace facilitator, joined the leaders in acknowledging the Washington Accords as a breakthrough for East and Central Africa.
His presence underscored Kenya’s continued commitment to peace, dialogue, and stability in the Great Lakes region and across the continent. Also present at the ceremony were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senior Diplomats, and global peace partners who witnessed the signing. The Washington peace deal now paves the way for renewed cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC, giving millions hope for lasting peace after decades of conflict.
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