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Rwanda and DR Congo Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Framework

The agreement sets a May 2 deadline for a draft peace accord, addressing sovereignty, armed group support, and economic cooperation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts a Declaration of Principles signing ceremony with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, left, and Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, right, Friday, April 25, 2025, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner speaks during a Declaration of Principles signing ceremony with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, Friday, April 25, 2025, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts a Declaration of Principles signing ceremony with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, left, and Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, right, Friday, April 25, 2025, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, speaks during a Declaration of Principles signing ceremony with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Friday, April 25, 2025, at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a Declaration of Principles in Washington on April 25, committing to mutual respect for sovereignty and halting support for armed groups.
  • The U.S.-facilitated agreement, witnessed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to address the root causes of decades-long conflict in eastern DR Congo.
  • Both nations pledged to produce an initial draft peace agreement by May 2, marking a concrete step toward resolving regional tensions.
  • The framework builds on recent Qatar-mediated ceasefires and African-led peace efforts, providing fresh momentum for peace negotiations.
  • The U.S. involvement is tied to strategic interests in accessing eastern Congo’s critical minerals, with potential for significant American investment contingent on regional stability.