The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on Thursday signed a U.S.-brokered peace accord in Washington aimed at ending decades of hostilities in the Great Lakes region, opening what leaders described as a rare moment of hope for millions affected by conflict in eastern Congo. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye joined the ceremony, calling the deal a turning point for regional stability.
The agreement, hosted at the White House, commits Rwanda and the DRC to a permanent ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign forces, disarmament of armed groups, and a new framework for regional economic cooperation backed by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump, who oversaw the final round of talks, called the signing “an amazing day: a great day for Africa, a great day for the world and for these two countries,” saying they “have so much to be proud of.”
Trump added that the two neighbors, once bitter adversaries, “spent a lot of time killing each other, and now they’re going to spend a lot of time hugging, holding hands, and taking advantage of the United States economically — like every other country does.”
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi said the deal “brings together, under a coherent architecture, a declaration of principles of a peace agreement and also the regional economic integration framework,” offering what he described as “a new perspective, a new outlook … to begin a new era of friendship, cooperation and prosperity.”
He called the signing “a turning point” for a region long trapped between rebel violence, political mistrust, and competing security interests.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame echoed the sense of cautious optimism, calling the accord “the clearest and most viable path forward that we have ever had.” He warned, however, that “there will be ups and downs on the road ahead,” adding that “Rwanda will not be found wanting, I can assure you of that.”
For Burundi, whose security has been strained by instability in eastern Congo and tensions with Rwanda, the accord marks both relief and expectation. Ndayishimiye said the signing represents “a great day for the Great Lakes region,” adding, “There is a time for destruction, and a time to build. A time of despair and a time of hope.” He urged all parties to focus on implementation and said Burundi is ready to support mechanisms aimed at ensuring the commitments translate into lasting peace.
While the signing brought symbolic unity to Washington, violence continues in parts of eastern Congo, and analysts say the agreement’s success depends on political will in the months ahead. Still, regional leaders said the moment signals a rare alignment of interests and a chance to reset relations between Kigali and Kinshasa.
For millions across the Great Lakes including in Burundi, where conflict spillover has shaped politics and displaced thousands the accord offers the possibility, however fragile, of a different future.
