Breaking: Rwanda, DRC Commit to Peace in U.S.-Facilitated Deal

In a significant step toward resolving decades of conflict in Central Africa, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a landmark Declaration of Principles at the U.S. Department of State on Friday, facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The agreement, hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, commits both nations to mutual respect for sovereignty, addressing security challenges, fostering regional economic integration, supporting the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), facilitating the return of displaced persons, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive peace agreement.

The signing ceremony, attended by Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, marks a pivotal moment in the volatile relationship between the two neighbors, whose eastern border has been plagued by violence, rebel activity, and humanitarian crises for over two decades.

The agreement follows a Qatar-brokered ceasefire in March 2025 between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, which aimed to halt hostilities involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.

A Framework for Peace

The Declaration of Principles outlines broad objectives to de-escalate tensions and foster stability in eastern DRC, a region rich in minerals but devastated by armed conflict. Key commitments include:

1. Mutual Respect for Sovereignty: Both nations pledged to uphold each other’s territorial integrity, a critical point given accusations of Rwandan military involvement in DRC territory. The U.S. has repeatedly called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease support for M23, a U.S.- and UN-sanctioned group responsible for significant human rights abuses.
2. Addressing Security Issues: The agreement emphasizes reducing support for armed groups, particularly M23, and neutralizing threats like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia viewed as a security concern by Rwanda. The DRC and Rwanda agreed to work toward a permanent ceasefire and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
3. Regional Economic Integration: Both countries expressed interest in attracting U.S. investments in their mineral sectors, aiming to boost economic development. The declaration seeks to build investor confidence by promoting stability, with hopes of transforming eastern DRC into a hub for sustainable growth.
4. Support for MONUSCO: The agreement reaffirms the role of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, in protecting civilians and stabilizing the region. Despite criticisms of its effectiveness, MONUSCO’s mandate was renewed in December 2024, with a focus on a gradual withdrawal tailored to security conditions.
5. Return of Displaced Persons: With nearly 6.4 million people displaced in the DRC due to conflict and natural hazards, the declaration prioritizes the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It calls for addressing humanitarian needs and ensuring protection from violence, including gender-based violence in overcrowded IDP camps.
6. Drafting a Peace Agreement: The declaration is not a binding peace accord but a framework for future negotiations. Both sides aim to finalize specifics within months, potentially leading to a formal peace agreement under the Angola-led Luanda Process and the Nairobi Process, which have been central to regional mediation efforts.

Diplomatic Context and U.S. Role

The signing comes amid intensified U.S. engagement in the Great Lakes region, driven by concerns over escalating violence and its implications for global mineral supply chains.

Eastern DRC’s vast reserves of cobalt, coltan, and other critical minerals have drawn international attention, with the U.S. seeking to counter Chinese influence in the region.

Secretary Rubio, who assumed office in early 2025, described the declaration as “a key step toward restoring regional stability and paving the way for U.S. investments.”

The agreement builds on recent diplomatic momentum. In March 2025, Qatar facilitated a surprise meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame, leading to a ceasefire and renewed talks with M23.

Angola’s mediation through the Luanda Process, supported by the African Union and the UN, has also been instrumental, with a tripartite summit planned but postponed in December 2024.

However, skepticism persists. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some questioning the DRC’s sincerity and others viewing the agreement as a U.S.-driven effort that may overshadow African-led initiatives like the Luanda Process.

One user noted, “Kinshasa’s sincerity is very questionable,” highlighting distrust that could complicate implementation.

Challenges Ahead

The Declaration of Principles faces significant hurdles. Previous ceasefires, including one in July 2024, have failed to halt M23’s advances, with the group capturing major cities like Goma and Bukavu in early 2025, displacing thousands and killing civilians. The U.S. Treasury recently sanctioned Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston for their roles in the conflict, underscoring ongoing tensions.

Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 remains a contentious issue. The UN Group of Experts has documented the presence of 3,000–4,000 Rwandan troops in DRC, along with sophisticated weaponry, prompting U.S. calls for their withdrawal.

Rwanda, in turn, accuses the DRC of supporting the FDLR, which it views as a threat to its security.

The humanitarian crisis adds urgency to the agreement. Over 6 million people are displaced in eastern DRC, with camps facing insecurity and inadequate aid.

The 2024 Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Plan remains underfunded, and G7 foreign ministers have called for unimpeded humanitarian access.

Regional and International Reactions

The international community welcomed the declaration, with the U.S. reiterating its support for MONUSCO and regional peace processes.

The African Union and UN have urged both parties to honor their commitments, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure to prevent a return to violence.

However, some Council members have expressed frustration over the UN Security Council’s reluctance to explicitly name Rwanda’s role in the conflict, despite evidence of its military presence.

The U.S. delegate remarked in December 2024, “Why are members resorting to euphemisms, rather than simply naming Rwanda directly?”

Looking Forward

While the Declaration of Principles raises hopes for peace, its success hinges on implementation.

Diplomatic sources describe it as a “non-binding agreement” that sets broad objectives, with specifics to be negotiated in the coming months.

The Luanda and Nairobi processes will be critical, as will the willingness of both nations to de-escalate and address root causes like resource exploitation and ethnic tensions.

For the people of eastern DRC, the agreement offers a glimmer of hope after years of suffering. As one Congolese activist, Rebecca Kabuo, stated in a 2022 UN briefing, “Peace can only succeed with international support.”

Whether this declaration translates into lasting stability remains to be seen, but it represents a rare moment of diplomatic progress in a region long scarred by conflict.