A major breakthrough in the quest for peace in the Great Lakes region was achieved yesterday as technical teams from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda initialed a Peace Agreement in talks mediated by the United States and observed by the State of Qatar.
The agreement, finalized on June 18, 2025, lays the groundwork for a formal signing by ministers on June 27, 2025, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to witness the event.
The agreement follows the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, and was crafted over three days of productive discussions addressing critical political, security, and economic concerns.
Key elements include a commitment to respect territorial integrity, a cessation of hostilities, and the disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.
A Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, incorporating the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) from October 31, 2024, will oversee security efforts.
The accord also prioritizes humanitarian needs, ensuring the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons and facilitating humanitarian access.
Additionally, it outlines a framework for regional economic integration to promote shared prosperity.
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker witnessed the initialing, while Qatar’s participation as an observer ensured alignment with its regional peace initiatives.
Both nations expressed gratitude for the U.S. and Qatar’s joint efforts in fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
The agreement sets the stage for a Summit of Heads of State in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing peace and stability in the region.
“This is a critical step toward ending conflict and building a brighter future for the people of the DRC and Rwanda,” said a U.S. official involved in the talks.