Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025 — In a momentous event at the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined key international and regional leaders in signing a comprehensive peace accord aimed at ending over three decades of conflict in the Great Lakes region. The agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda marks a significant milestone toward regional stability and development.
The ceremony was opened by Senior Advisor Massad Boulos, who welcomed diplomats, members of Congress, African Union representatives, and media personnel. He underscored the importance of this peace accord, which builds on a Declaration of Principles signed earlier this year on April 25, and will now officially enter into force with the signatures from the DRC and Rwanda foreign ministers. This historic step promises to bring cessation of hostilities that have plagued the region for over thirty years.
Secretary Rubio expressed his honor at participating in such a pivotal event. He praised the tireless efforts of the foreign ministers of both countries and their teams, noting that “this was not an easy journey” but emphasized the crucial role of regional and international cooperation. Rubio highlighted the leadership of the Trump administration, the United States’ strong partnership with the African Union, and Qatar’s mediation efforts, which were instrumental in reaching this breakthrough. “Peace is about allowing people to dream of a better life, prosperity, and unity,” Rubio remarked, stressing the transformative power of peace for lives disrupted by conflict.
The agreement addresses key issues such as the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed groups, the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism, and the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons. It also reaffirms the continued mandate of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping operation, and outlines economic cooperation frameworks aimed at fostering shared growth between the two nations.
In his remarks, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the international community and highlighted that the agreement is a product of dedicated regional efforts and international support, notably from Qatar and the African Union. He underscored Rwanda’s commitment to working with the DRC on the implementation of the accord, emphasizing that genuine peace requires ongoing political will and cooperation. “This agreement is only the beginning,” he stated, “and we must now translate words into action.”
The Congolese Foreign Minister, Christophe Wamlungu, also expressed hope, acknowledging the long path ahead but affirming the commitment of the DRC to uphold the peace treaty. He stressed that sustainable peace must be rooted in justice, security, and the dignity of all citizens, and pledged that his country would work tirelessly to ensure the accord’s success.
Following the speeches, the agreement was formally signed by officials from both nations in the presence of Secretary Rubio. The document includes provisions on territorial integrity, disarmament of non-state armed groups such as the FDLR, and regional security cooperation, with immediate effect. A special annex details mechanisms for neutralizing remnants of militias and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
Senior Advisor Boulos concluded the ceremony by congratulating all parties on their determination and resilience. “Today, we take a crucial step towards peace and stability in Central Africa,” he said. “This moment reminds us that even in regions scarred by conflict, hope and diplomacy can forge a path forward.”
As the signing concludes, the international community looks forward to its full implementation, hopeful that this agreement will usher in a new era of peace, security, and prosperity for the people of the DRC and Rwanda.
