DR Congo must commit to a comprehensive peace agreement

The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo met this week in Washington D.C., in talks facilitated by the U.S. government, as part of renewed efforts to end the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC. The two countries signed a Declaration of Principles, marking the beginning of a peace process aimed at restoring stability not only to eastern DRC but also to the broader Great Lakes region, which has long suffered from the spillover of the conflict. In the declaration, both sides reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and committed to resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue rather than through force or inflammatory rhetoric. They also recognized their shared security concerns along the border and pledged to address these issues in a manner consistent with their mutual sovereignty. While the declaration is a promising step, it also reaffirms Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to legitimate peace efforts. It has always recognized that lasting peace in eastern DRC is essential to the stability of the entire region. Rwanda has consistently recognized the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has never obstructed any efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis. In fact, the opposite is true. The Rwandan government has actively participated in all regional and international peace initiatives, from the Luanda and Nairobi processes to the more recent EAC-SADC, Qatar, and now U.S.-facilitated peace efforts. Throughout, Rwanda’s position has remained clear that the crisis in the DRC can only be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation, not through the use of force or inflammatory rhetoric. At the heart of the current conflict is the M23 group, which, despite gaining control of significant territory, has repeatedly stated that it does not seek power but rather the recognition and respect of its rights. This reinforces the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and political solutions grounded in mutual understanding and regional cooperation. As the two parties work toward finalising a peace deal by Friday, it is crucial for Kinshasa to commit to a comprehensive agreement that genuinely addresses all legitimate concerns raised throughout the process.

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DR Congo must commit to a comprehensive peace agreement