The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo, has stated that the ongoing peace process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mediated by the United States must produce tangible results, despite what she described as Kinshasa’s continued reluctance.
Delegations from Rwanda and the DRC recently met in the United States for what was expected to be the final round of discussions on a draft economic cooperation agreement prepared in September. The two sides were scheduled to sign the deal on October 3, but the ceremony did not take place.
Makolo explained that the Rwandan delegation in Washington, D.C. was caught by surprise when the DRC delegation decided, at the last minute, not to sign. “The Rwandan team in Washington this week was fully prepared to sign the economic cooperation agreement, which was designed to benefit both our country and the wider region,” Makolo said. “We were surprised by the DRC’s last-minute decision not to sign, especially after constructive discussions and hard work led by mediator Massad Boulos and the U.S. Department of State.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, the proposed agreement aimed to strengthen economic collaboration between the two neighboring nations and was part of the broader peace framework signed on June 27 under U.S. mediation.
The framework outlined a shared commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, promote regional and international economic development projects, and encourage mutual investment opportunities.
Key sectors covered by the agreement included mining, infrastructure, energy, industrial development, modern agriculture and livestock, public health, and national park management.
Makolo further noted that the DRC has also been slow in implementing the peace agreement previously signed by both sides. “Regarding the peace agreement particularly the dismantling of the FDLR militia supported by the DRC—progress has been slow,” she said. “The DRC refused to proceed with this step unless Rwanda lifted its defensive measures, an issue that had to be addressed in a special joint oversight committee meeting held on Wednesday.”
Reports indicate that the DRC had insisted that the disarmament of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) could only begin once Rwanda withdrew its defensive security measures something that contradicted the terms of the agreement.
Makolo reaffirmed Rwanda’s trust in the ongoing peace process and the role of the United States as mediator. “Rwanda remains committed to the peace accords and trusts the process facilitated by the United States. We believe these efforts will ultimately lead to the signing of the economic cooperation agreement,” she said. “The peace initiative must bear fruit it is the only viable path toward stability and sustainable economic development in our region.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
