In a landmark diplomatic development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda on Thursday signed a peace. The agreement, hailed as a major stride toward ending decades of tension and conflict in the Great Lakes region, endorsed in Washington DC in the presence of several African Heads of State. It has been warmly welcomed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Calling the pact a “significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, and stability,” Youssouf praised the leaders of both nations, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, for demonstrating the political will necessary to advance regional harmony.
The AU Chairperson expressed appreciation for the constructive support extended by the United States, notably the personal engagement of President Donald Trump, whose involvement, he said, created favourable conditions for the agreement. He also extended gratitude to the State of Qatar for its diplomatic encouragement and its readiness to reinforce African-led peace initiatives.
Youssouf acknowledged the collective and sustained leadership that brought the long-awaited deal to fruition. He paid special tribute to President Role Faure Gnassingbé of Togo for his central role in facilitating negotiations and to President João Lourenço of Angola for his earlier mediation efforts. Leaders of both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community were also commended for their collaborative contributions throughout the peace process.
Urging all sides to uphold the agreement in “both letter and spirit,” the AU Chairperson stressed the importance of transforming this diplomatic achievement into tangible progress toward reconciliation, regional cooperation, and sustainable peace.
The African Union Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all parties as they work toward a more secure and prosperous future for the peoples of the DRC, Rwanda, and the broader Great Lakes region.
